Tag: Israel

Antisemitism Myths

Over the past few weeks there has been a substantial increase in the number of reported incidents of antisemitism in the UK.  One of the big challenges with antisemitism is that it tends to get ignored or treated differently to other forms of racism and this is in part, I believe because of the following… Continue reading Antisemitism Myths

Grieving the evil of war

I recently wrote that “war is an evil”. I wrote this to respond to and distinguish from Scott McKnight’s argument that war is itself a crime, it isn’t just about the committing of war crimes.  What this enables us to do is to recognise that sadly, in a fallen world, war is sometimes necessary and… Continue reading Grieving the evil of war

Israel, Jews, Zionism and antisemitism

One of the little examples of semantics that tends to come up when talking about antisemitism is the potential difference between being antisemitic and anti-Zionist.  It’s probably helpful first of all to talk about terms. Jews: A recognised ethnic people group with minorities around the world.  There are 7.8 million Jews in the modern state… Continue reading Israel, Jews, Zionism and antisemitism

It’s complicated … and it isn’t

In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were those who argued that our responsibility as Christians was simply to pray for and work for peace. This was often accompanied by calls for a ceasefire.  Similarly, there have been those who have responded to events in Israel and Gaza with similar appeals for… Continue reading It’s complicated … and it isn’t

A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories

Back when I was at University, I had the opportunity as part of my Law degree to study a subject called “International Law.”  At the time, that specific area of law was the poor relation of all other options offered by the faculty.  In fact, there was still significant debate about whether or not it… Continue reading A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories

On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims

This week, in the middle of the Israel-Hamas conflict, an explosion was reported at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza city.  This was initially reported, all around the world as an Israeli missile strike causing 500 deaths, Many got the impression that the hospital had been destroyed or severely damaged.  The hospital is run by the… Continue reading On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims

Is war a crime?

Scott McKnight writes: “Why do more Christians not recognize what war experts know, namely, that “we fight war crimes but have forgotten the crime of war”?” https://scotmcknight.substack.com/p/sponges-and-war-immoral-word-choices?r=1nrx1&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post I must admit I’m not too sure who these “war experts” are or what it is that makes someone a “war expert.”  However, I am not convinced by… Continue reading Is war a crime?

On staying in lane (again)

When the COVID pandemic struck, lots of us had opinions and views.  At the time, I remember some discussion about the importance of “staying in lane.”  I think I contributed to that discussion. The point was simple and good.  We were facing a global pandemic, a serious medical crisis and there were politicians, clergy and… Continue reading On staying in lane (again)