This past week, the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) was honoured to host Revd Dr. Munther Isaac, a figure whose voice has risen from the heart of Bethlehem to the global stage, calling for peace, justice, and reconciliation in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dr. Isaac, pastor of the Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, a committed academic and an esteemed OCMS alumnus, brought our community in Oxford a message that resonates with the core of our mission: to engage critically, compassionately, and constructively in the complexities of global injustices that confronts us.
Dr. Isaac’s visit comes at a time of war and tragedy in Gaza, a situation he speaks of with a compelling blend of scholarly insight and raw, personal passion. His speeches in Oxford and London, especially his poignant address at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, were not just expressions of the grief and outrage at the atrocities being committed but also an appeal to the global church and communities worldwide to stand in solidarity with the oppressed. His words challenge us to consider the profound implications of our faith in situations of injustice and suffering.
In his own words, the current situation in Gaza is a “moral compass” for the world, challenging us to confront the realities of the deep-seated injustices that underpin the ongoing conflict. His critical stance on the responses—or lack thereof—from world leaders and church authorities to the crisis is a sobering reminder of the profound moral and ethical responsibilities we hold as scholars, believers, and global citizens.
At OCMS, as an academic institution focused on mission studies, we believe deeply in the power of informed, faith-driven scholarship to foster understanding, dialogue, and change. Back in October, we urged a call for peace. Dr. Isaac’s visit has sparked important conversations among our community about the role of the church in addressing injustices, the importance of solidarity with those suffering under oppression, and the critical need for a gospel-centred approach to peace and reconciliation. We continue to reject all theological positions that justify the status quo in the Middle East and that are used to support violence in the current tragedy.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply complex and we recognize the diverse perspectives within our community and among our supporters. It is not our aim to simplify these issues but to encourage a deeper historical, contextual and Biblical engagement with them. Dr. Isaac’s message, rooted in a profound biblical call for justice and mercy, challenges us to reflect on our own positions and responsibilities in the face of such conflicts.
We also wish to highlight the significant work being done in the name of peace and reconciliation, as exemplified by Dr. Isaac through:
- His leadership in the: “Christ at the Checkpoint” Conference — dedicated to the theme of peace and reconciliation planned for May 2024.
- His involvement with the Shepherd Society – a charity that models Christ to every person that knocks on the door and aims to help every person that seeks their help.
- His stewardship of the Bethlehem Bible College, where he holds the faculty position of Academic Dean.
As we continue to process and reflect on Dr. Isaac’s visit, we invite our community and supporters to engage with his work, consider his calls to action, and join us in the ongoing dialogue about how best to live out our commitment to justice, peace, and the gospel in a world marred by conflict and injustice.
In the spirit of Lent, a season of reflection and repentance, let us consider how we, as a community of scholars and believers, can contribute to the healing and reconciliation needed in our world today.
About Dr. Munther Isaac
You can view Dr. Munther Isaac’s profile here. His books give us insightful contributions to understanding the Christian experience in Palestine, the second title is his most recent and relevant collaboration.
Among his publications, his widely celebrated book, “From the Other Side of the Wall,” stands out for its profound invitation to listen to stories and experiences from Palestinian Christians. Available for purchase on Amazon and Eden Books this work extends a heartfelt invitation to readers to explore the Palestinian perspective.
The Bethlehem Institute of Peace and Justice, in collaboration with Bethlehem Bible College, recently published “Normalize or Resist? Palestinian Christians Respond to Oppression,” edited by Andrew F. Bush, DMin. This publication emerges from an academic symposium that convened leading theologians and activists, including Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, to delve into the nuanced debates within the Palestinian Christian community on responding to oppression. The book has been brought up to date and provides an insightful exploration of the concepts of normalisation and resistance, offering readers a deeper glimpse into the heart of Palestinian Christian thought and struggle. (Currently available as an e-book, with paperback versions available soon.
You can also follow his deeply Christian thinking steeped in biblical references in his blog.
