Whose Promised Land?

Two peoples, Jews and Palestinian Arabs, lay claim to the same piece of land. But who does it really belong to? Scripture, history, and contemporary politics add to the volatile conflict in the Middle East. Whose Promised Land?, now in a fully revised and updated fifth edition, provides an evenhanded approach to this complex dilemma. The book begins with the history of the territory, explaining the development of the conflict and the complexity of the issues. The second section surveys biblical teaching on the theme of the land, both from the Old Testament point of view and the perspective of Jesus and his followers. Building on the analysis of history and the biblical studies, the final part examines the major contemporary forces affecting the conflict today. Unlike many evangelical Christian books on the topic, Whose Promised Land? does not automatically assume a pro-Israel stance, but seeks to present an honest appraisal of modern Israel while clearly delineating the interrelated issues surrounding the crisis in the Middle East.

"Highly illuminating and gives an excellent analysis (with thought-provoking questions) of both sides of the problem." -Christianity Today

Does the land of Israel belong to the Jews?
¢ Abraham and his descendants lived in it for many centuries before Christ.
¢ They believe God has promised it to them forever.
¢ The United Nations gave it to them in 1947.

Or does the land belong to the Palestinian Arabs?
¢ Their ancestors have been living in the land continuously for many centuries.
¢ It holds a special place in the religion of Islam.

Whose Promised Land? unravels the complex issues surrounding the continuing crisis between Israel and Palestine. This fully revised and updated edition, including new chapters on Zionism, Christian Zionism, and dispensationalism, provides an evenhanded approach that does not automatically assume a pro-Israel stance. Instead, it seeks to present an honest appraisal of modern Israel while clearly delineating the inter-related issues surrounding the crisis in the Middle East.

Beginning with the history of the territory from the 20th century BC to the present day, it explains the development of the conflict and the complexity of the issues. Then it surveys both the Old Testament teachings on land and the perspective taught by Jesus. Finally, it examines the major contemporary forces affecting the conflict today.

Colin Chapman is lecturer in Islamic studies at the Near East School of Theology, Beirut, Lebanon. He is the author of several books, including Christianity on Trial, The Case for Christianity, and Islam and the West: Conflict, Coexistence or Conversion?