Understanding the Palestinian Perspective – a civil discourse
This page is about a short-term study that will run from January 31, 2018 through March 28.
Title: Understanding the Palestinian Perspective – a civil discourse
Place/Time: Wesley United Methodist Church, Lodge Parlor, 7 p.m.
Description
Conflict in the Middle East, and between Israel and Palestine in particular, has fomented numerous skirmishes and wars. We are no closer to peace now than seventy years ago, when Israel was created.
This class attempts to do two things: (a) understand the Middle East conflict from the perspective of the Palestinians; and (b) to do so with respect and civility for all sides. We’ll begin with a brief discussion of how to have an objective discussion of perspectives (a rarely practiced skill), and then we will have an opportunity to attempt to put the suggestions into practice.
We will explore the history behind formation of Israel, with emphasis on the Palestinian perspective. How do Christians, Jews, and Muslims understand the competing claims to the land? What role does
Zionism play and where might we go from here?
Book: Zionism Unsettled: A Congregational Study Guide Jim Dalllmeyer has ordered a number of copies of the book. The cost is $13.
Dates/Times: Six Wednesdays all starting at 7 p.m. Jan. 31; Feb. 7, 28; March 7, 21, 28, at Wesley Church.
Who: Jim Dallmeyer and Jim Olsen are leading this study. (We also hope to have other people help with the discussions.) This is open to men and women - anyone who is interested.
Special Faith Encounter Jan. 31: Craig and Cathy Sheagren have visited the Holy Land (Palestine) and will be sharing pictures and experiences from their trip during Faith Encounter. This is loosely related to our study, but a stand-alone presentation.
Please join us for this interesting study.
Outline
Wednesday, January 31:
- 5:45 PM, Faith Encounter - free-will supper; Praise music about 6:15; 6:30: Craig and Cathy Sheagran will discuss their recent trip to the Holy Land.
- 7:00 PM (in Lodge Parlor) Jim Olsen leads a discussion of Civility (PDF here) followed by Jim Dallmeyer reviewing the definition of a few terms.
Wednesday, February 7: Where is Palestine?
Wednesday, February 28: A history lesson. Balfour Declaration, Palestinian Mandate, UN Resolutions 181, 242 and 338.
Wednesday, March 7: What is meant by Zionism? Six Day War, and who's land is this, anyway?
Wednesday, March 21: An "image problem."
Wednesday, March 28: Rev. Dennis Powers, Pastor, Roseville United Methodist, will conduct a wrap-up. Rev. Powers has been on four trips to the Holy Land, three times as the Group Leader.
Additional Information and Resources
From IPMN
Website - from Israel Palestine Mission Network, many links provided. Videos here. FAQ - frequently asked questions
From Alex Awad
Website
Peacebuilding from the Fuller Studio Article
What Is Multi-track Diplomacy - Video and graphic
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