Understanding the History Behind Gaza with Dr. Ben Norquist

There is no more salient, no more pressing global event right now for the Church to engage than what is happening currently in Gaza. Gaza presents not just a lightning rod for conversation (or controversy), but also serves as a moral compass for all humankind. The global Church is wrestling with questions like, "is Israel justified in their offensive?" "how do we understand the theology and politics in play?" and "are we watching a genocide unfold before our eyes?" To help us understand the broader history and context around Gaza, we've invited Dr. Ben Norquist from Churches for Middle East Peace to the show. He sits down with Brandon Stiver to discuss all things surrounding the conflict and most importantly the decades leading up to what we see in 2025. Join us in this conversation and join us in praying and acting for peace.

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Resources and Links from the show

Churches for Middle East Peace Online

Church at the Crossroads Conference Information

Christ in the Rubble by Munther Isaac

UN Definitions of Genocide and Related Crimes

Conversation Notes

• The difference between a 'thin' Gospel and a 'thick' Gospel
• Growing up in evangelicalism and what that means for supporting modern day Israel
• Understanding the historical context of Gaza
• What is the Nakba? 
• What were the Intafadas?
• How the Balfour Declaration laid a framework for the land that continues to reverberate over a hundred years later
• Comparing the current conflict and humanitarian crisis to the UN definition of genocide

 

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License