The God of My Enemy

Bernhard Reitsma

2014  |  206pp  |  ISBN: 9781908355508

The Middle East and the Nature of God

The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 for the Church in the West has been the starting point of a rediscovery of its own roots. In the Middle East the effect has been exactly the opposite: Christians have become estranged from their Old Testament roots, because they have been expelled from their land exactly because of an appeal to the Old Testament. The concept of Israel changed from a nation in the Bible, with which they could associate, to an economic, political and military power that was against them.

Dr Reitsma has done a great favor to all those who would like to have an in-depth, clear, and intelligible perspective on the crucial issue of the land of Palestine. This is not a distant  theological and biblical treatment, but has its relevancy and implications on both local and global scenes in the 21st century. I am aware that Dr Reitsma is dealing with a very controversial subject and that not all readers will agree with all his arguments and conclusions. However, I do hope that readers will, at least, join me in admiring the courage, honesty, and sensitivity that are exemplified in this significant and timely work.

Revd Riad Kassis, International Director, International Council for Evangelical Theological Education; Director, Langham Scholars Ministry, Langham Partnership