Advance Comment
UNDER VINE AND FIG TREE

"Under Vine and Fig Tree makes a much-needed contribution to the conversation about the struggle for land in Israel/Palestine by blending theological reflection and stories “on the ground.” This book will help thoughtful Christians discuss the urgent questions of current events in light of important biblical themes: the promise and conquest of the land, the call for social justice, and the vision of the end times. With a historical timeline, maps, and a glossary of terms, this book makes an excellent introduction for those who are puzzled by the complexity of the Middle East conflict. In addition, the discussion questions, action suggestions, and list of resources for further study encourage the reader to move beyond the printed page into further conversation, action and study.

"The North American church needs to wrestle with the issues outlined in this book. If I had my way, every Christian congregation would have an adult study group reading and discussing this book! " —Patricia Shelly, Professor of Bible and Religion, Bethel College

"This book represents a refreshing christocentric reading of the Bible that offers a corrective perspective to common Christian Zionist understandings of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Like Israel in the days of Jesus, Western Christians seem to miss the fact that God’s economy in Christ extends beyond the Jews to all peoples of the world. At the very least, I hope this book will help Christians in America more fully acknowledge the lens through which the Word of God is read, especially regarding current events in the Middle East." —Keith Weaver, Moderator, Lancaster Conference of the Mennonite Church USA

"Sincere thanks to Alain Epp Weaver, editor, and the contributors to Under Vine and Fig Tree for their significant gift to the church. This volume depicts the realities and explains the complexities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict clearly and simply for those who have no first-hand experience with this troubled corner of the globe. Even more importantly, this volume offers a careful and well-grounded study of the Scriptures, Old Testament and New, as they relate to the vexing questions of land ownership which lie at the root of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under Vine and Fig Tree offers an excellent study tool for Sunday school classes and congregational study groups." —Dorothy Jean Weaver, Professor of New Testament, Eastern Mennonite Seminary

"Under Vine and Fig Tree provides a fresh approach to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with emphasis on justice, peace and reconciliation rather than deterministic theologies regarding land. The book insists that God’s Word provides good news for both peoples in the land. The writers’ presence in the land informs faithful biblical interpretation." —Calvin E. Shenk, Author, Who Do You Say That I Am? and Professor Emeritus of Religion, Eastern Mennonite University

"To go through this book is to navigate in spiritual, uplifting, and informative through an enjoyable journey. The book puts readers on the track of justice and prophecy to tackle a protracted conflict in an enhancing, inclusive, and inviting way. The wisdom and witness have been generated as a result of lived experience of the authors in one of the bleakest, most challenging times in the history of Palestine.

"Under Vine and Fig Tree is remarkable in three ways:
1. It is a contextualized theology responding to the most unreconciling questions.
2. It is written by folks committed to justice, peace, and reconciliation.
3. It is a manuscript challenging the reader to question many theological assumptions related to the issues of land, history, security and power.

"This volume adds new dimensions and great depth to the theological exegesis of the local Palestinian people and land—considered by many theologians as the fifth gospel." —Zoughbi Zoughbii, Director, Wi’am Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center