Rev. Munther Isaac, the pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour, joins host Chris Hedges on this special episode of The Chris Hedges Report to revisit the story of Christmas and how it relates to Palestine then and now.
Chris, you reminded me of the importance and the power of a union, and with your message today reminded me of the power of the Christian gospel. I am not religious, but I am a follower of Christ and you're one of the few people that speaks to the point that it's not the dogma but the message that matters. Thanks for your continued work.
Time to make the Holy Land holy again. The best thing Pope Francis could ever do is to make his stand in Gaza, or Bethlehem. He has an opportunity that is unequalled, to say "no" to genocide. If Gaza is no longer an option, thanks to the total blockade by Israel. He could even go to the West Bank, Beirut, or even Teheran.
May it be his road to Damascus moment, and say, “Not in our name, not on our watch.”
What a blessing and gift this conversation is. Because of living at Tantur near Bethlehem 1972-'73, I came to know Palestine and also began what has become a lifetime of healing from stringent Christian fundamentalist upbringing. This journey continues. What priceless messages you bring to all. I was privileged to hear you in Berkeley in the summer, Rev. Munther. Am continuing to follow both of you. Sending my thanks and prayers for safety and wellbeing on this journey.
Another insightful and thought provoking interview. Your historical knowledge in an area that we only know for our wars and hatred seems boundless. I rely on you and those you bring to me to educate me about the past and sadly what we have doe and what we are doing to the poor people of that entire area. Shame on us.
Very moving and thought provoking interview, Chris. Thank you to you and the Reverend for talking about the history of Palestine and what needs to be done to stop this genocide.😢☮️🇵🇸
Thank you Chris. This was a moving talk! I come from a Christian family and I have lost faith in it in some ways. I’ve watched Rev. Munther speak (online) several times yet didn’t realize he was in Gaza! His Humanity is profound. As is yours.
Finally read this--I was avoiding it because anything "Christian" is painful for me. Like many in the Pac NW, I was raised without religion. In the protest years, my shallow youthfulness meant I agreed with the dogma of leftists equating religion with everything they dislike. Well, establishment churches certainly weren't pro labor. About 25 years ago, a series of mystical experiences got me to reconsider.
I went to theology grad school in my 50s. Eventually, I figured out encounters with Transcendent Light and becoming enchanted by the notion of a calling are merely introductions. Spiritual reality is infinitely more complex. Some people can fit themselves within the confines of organized religious structures, but for me it seemed more and more a Procrustean bargain. I drifted away; I describe myself now only half in jest as "Eastern Heterodox."
Yet I can't let go of the Christian message, either. The discussion here reminds me why. These two ordained inspirations live their faith. Showing us why we hearers must keep struggling with the meanings of prophetic and mystical experiences. Theosis, deification, is to include all of creation. It's not personal escape from the world, but deep engagement with all of life. It's acting in solidarity with all suffering. As my logger grandfather the Wobbly would say: "An injury to one is an injury to ALL!
Thank you Chris and Reverand Munther Isaac for a wonderful, thought-provoking discussion. I have an editorial suggestion for the transcript. I've added some commas to this sentence: "I surprise people sometimes that I say God takes sides, and it's like, no, God is with everyone."
IMPORTANT – How Obama and Eric Holder made huge money by bank money-laundering drug money (at ~ 30 min point) – A TREASON -- Banks have stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies and procedures to detect and prevent such activities…. (It is NOT “only” Biden who is hugely corrupt)
Johnson CIA w/ Krainer NDB: Woke West Lost Against Russia-Iran-China. About money. If you have time to watch just one video, this is the one!
Chris, you reminded me of the importance and the power of a union, and with your message today reminded me of the power of the Christian gospel. I am not religious, but I am a follower of Christ and you're one of the few people that speaks to the point that it's not the dogma but the message that matters. Thanks for your continued work.
Time to make the Holy Land holy again. The best thing Pope Francis could ever do is to make his stand in Gaza, or Bethlehem. He has an opportunity that is unequalled, to say "no" to genocide. If Gaza is no longer an option, thanks to the total blockade by Israel. He could even go to the West Bank, Beirut, or even Teheran.
May it be his road to Damascus moment, and say, “Not in our name, not on our watch.”
Please sign the petition and share widely.
https://chng.it/gkvBfY44rq
Here are a few of the Christian organizations working to support the Palestinians in this dark hour:
Christian organisations:
FOSNA
https://www.fosna.org
SABEEL
https://sabeel.org
https://paxchristiusa.org/
We can support them too, regardless of one's belief, or lack thereof, in any of the gods mentioned in Chris's great interview with Rev. Munther Isaac.
I like to share my Christmas poem.
Longing For the Light of Christmas - 202x
Time to think of Christmas as we come to the end of the year
Sights of Santa, gifts and toys, filled with holiday cheer
Pour the eggnog, lift a toast, raise a mug of hot mulled wine
Recounting family tales of a happier, fun-filled time
This year is it possible to sing again of Joy and Holy Night?
Dream of roasting chestnuts and frosty snow so white?
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Was never my favourite hymn
I’d rather hear of Three Wise Kings
Or herald angels sing
But this year it’s the only one
I can bear
Witness with.
“Yet in thy darkness shineth
The Everlasting Light.”
Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem,
“How still we see thee lie!”
What a blessing and gift this conversation is. Because of living at Tantur near Bethlehem 1972-'73, I came to know Palestine and also began what has become a lifetime of healing from stringent Christian fundamentalist upbringing. This journey continues. What priceless messages you bring to all. I was privileged to hear you in Berkeley in the summer, Rev. Munther. Am continuing to follow both of you. Sending my thanks and prayers for safety and wellbeing on this journey.
Another insightful and thought provoking interview. Your historical knowledge in an area that we only know for our wars and hatred seems boundless. I rely on you and those you bring to me to educate me about the past and sadly what we have doe and what we are doing to the poor people of that entire area. Shame on us.
Very moving and thought provoking interview, Chris. Thank you to you and the Reverend for talking about the history of Palestine and what needs to be done to stop this genocide.😢☮️🇵🇸
Thank you Chris. This was a moving talk! I come from a Christian family and I have lost faith in it in some ways. I’ve watched Rev. Munther speak (online) several times yet didn’t realize he was in Gaza! His Humanity is profound. As is yours.
Linda Snider
Finally read this--I was avoiding it because anything "Christian" is painful for me. Like many in the Pac NW, I was raised without religion. In the protest years, my shallow youthfulness meant I agreed with the dogma of leftists equating religion with everything they dislike. Well, establishment churches certainly weren't pro labor. About 25 years ago, a series of mystical experiences got me to reconsider.
I went to theology grad school in my 50s. Eventually, I figured out encounters with Transcendent Light and becoming enchanted by the notion of a calling are merely introductions. Spiritual reality is infinitely more complex. Some people can fit themselves within the confines of organized religious structures, but for me it seemed more and more a Procrustean bargain. I drifted away; I describe myself now only half in jest as "Eastern Heterodox."
Yet I can't let go of the Christian message, either. The discussion here reminds me why. These two ordained inspirations live their faith. Showing us why we hearers must keep struggling with the meanings of prophetic and mystical experiences. Theosis, deification, is to include all of creation. It's not personal escape from the world, but deep engagement with all of life. It's acting in solidarity with all suffering. As my logger grandfather the Wobbly would say: "An injury to one is an injury to ALL!
Merry Christmas...and to ALL a good night.
Thank you Chris and Reverand Munther Isaac for a wonderful, thought-provoking discussion. I have an editorial suggestion for the transcript. I've added some commas to this sentence: "I surprise people sometimes that I say God takes sides, and it's like, no, God is with everyone."
I have nothing to add…I just want to wish you all a fine holiday, thank you for your courage and truth. I’m endlessly grateful.
(I still say those were dogs wearing fake antlers, but…whatever.)
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
IMPORTANT – How Obama and Eric Holder made huge money by bank money-laundering drug money (at ~ 30 min point) – A TREASON -- Banks have stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies and procedures to detect and prevent such activities…. (It is NOT “only” Biden who is hugely corrupt)
Johnson CIA w/ Krainer NDB: Woke West Lost Against Russia-Iran-China. About money. If you have time to watch just one video, this is the one!
https://rumble.com/v613992-johnson-cia-w-krainer-ndb-woke-west-lost-against-russia-iran-china.-about-m.html