Jan. 17, 2006

BUT FIRST, THIS:

Some Muslims are demanding that Christian symbols be removed from the Russian flag. More proof that church-state battles are not unique to the U.S.

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The relationship between Christians and Jews, as regular readers of the blog know, is of keen interest to me. So much so that I have arranged to co-teach a weeklong seminar next summer with a rabbi on this subject. For details, scroll down to my Jan. 9 blog entry here.

As I prepare for that class, I keep alert for pieces that may help us understand things better, and I thought this article in the Washington Post last week by Alan Cooperman was especially interesting. It describes a phenomenon known as "philo-Semitism," which is the opposite of anti-Semitism.

Cooperman reports that philo-Semitism is "a burgeoning phenomenon in evangelical Christian churches across the country." The question is whether Jews are right to be a little skeptical and even nervous about some of the motives behind all of this.

Take a look at Cooperman's piece and tell me what you think. I'll also be interested to hear about the current trip to Israel of a group of more than 100 Jewish and Christian Kansas Citians (including some conservative Christians). Wonder who will learn what and whose mind might be changed about what.

To read my latest Kansas City Star work, click here.

Today's religious holiday: Blessing of the Animals (Hispanic Catholic).

Comments

[Kansas Bob]

For 18 years I was a part of a church that was very pro-Israel. I often struggled with the idea that present day Israel was analagous to the Israel of the Old testament.

I'd be interested in your present day working out of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12: "I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you."

Does this verse speak to the nation Israel or to the Jewish people?