Why I support J-Street
J Street is a home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans who support vigorous U.S. leadership to achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to broaden debate around Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community.
As a Christian who is pro-Israel, pro-Palestine, and pro-peace, I believe a crucial role needs to be played by US citizens, Jewish, Christians, and others, who can use their influence to encourage Israel, and the leadership of the Palestinian community to take the risks necessary for peace. That’s only one of the reasons I just joined J-Street and sent a donation.
Just as the Israelis and Palestinians were about to re-start peace talks, Israel announced it was building 1600 new housing units in a disputed neighborhood of East Jerusalem. This is both provocative and unacceptable. If US dollars are to continue to flow towards Israel, the political leadership in Israel needs to know that such moves are an outrage to many of us whose tax dollars are meant to support Israeli security, not the expansion of occupation. I invite readers of this blog to learn more about J-Street and its courageous work.
Prayers and Readings for Easter
Whether you celebrate in church or at home, you might find these prayers and readings helpful. Check them out now!
Easter Recipes
OMG! Glenn Beck Is On To Me!
An Illuminated Easter
An Illuminated Easter
The Easter story as told by stained glass artists in some of the most beautiful churches of Europe and North America
Sacred Spaces
Churches and cathedrals, temples and mosques, sacred shrines and holy mountains, as well as rivers, lakes and streams … every religious tradition has its sacred places. This gallery of photographs focuses on some of the most noted of these, illustrating how the world’s people carve out a place for the Eternal even in the world of time and space. Enjoy.
A Picture is Worth 1000 Words
This cool website frames otherwise dull economic stats in easy-to-digest graphics. Here, for example, is their graph of global health care costs as a percentage of GDP in various countries …. followed up with other graphs showing outcomes. Guess what? We in the US are paying far more than other countries, but the results are relatively dismal. We need reform! Check it out.
God and the Earthquakes!
In the face of natural disasters like the earthquakes in Haiti or Chile, what do the resources of world religions like Christianity have to offer? We have a few thoughts as well as practical suggestions on how to help the victims. Read more.
Faith Based Groups Take the lead in Haiti, Chile
In an excellent editorial, Nicholas Kristof, points out that faith based orgainzations have once again taken the lead in relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti, as they did in New Orleans, and are likely to do in Chile. Since the leader among these is World Vision, an offshoot of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, this is also part of the larger story of how evangelicals are awakening to their larger and wider vocation in addressing human suffering around the world. For Kristof’s full article.
On the lighter side ……
The Biblical Concept of Marriage: Warning, Some Revisions Necessary
Speeder Fanagles Way Out of Ticket: A Parable for Our Time