Rating: 
Summary: THIS IS A BRILLIANT BOOK - BUY IT!
Review: Following an earlier review I have studied this book in even more detail and have gone back to my Bible to analyse the issues brought to the forefront. My opinions have not changed.At times I sense a genuine concern in this book for Israel and at other times I find myself confronted with an inherent bias and even hostility against Israel. The contents of this book appear to represent a struggle between someone trying to come to terms with the Biblical status and divine promises to the Jewish people and what are seen as alleged injustices to the Palestinian people and humanitarian issues in the Middle East. The result is support for the Palestinian side and criticism of anyone who would support the Israeli side in the conflict. The latter are labelled as "Christian Zionists" and it is alleged that they support all the decisions of the Israeli Government. Something which is utterly untrue. Grouped under the aforementioned label are many Christian organisations, all of which are named, plus many learned students of the Bible who have devoted a lifetime of study to the subjects of Israel, the Bible and Biblical prophecy. The contents of the book accuse Christian organisations supportive of Israel of even being involved in politics, or distributing literature of a political nature. Something which the book itself has no qualms in doing when it suits it's own purposes. It is not mentioned that these so called "Christian Zionists" only support Israel in a Biblical context and in no way condone any alleged "injustices" carried out by the Israeli Government, or any other Government for that matter. The book is alarming in that, whilst making so many demands and judgements in relation to Israel, none are forthcoming in relation to the Palestinian side. The Arab responsibility for the Palestinian issue is not addressed. Many selective examples are grouped together to pool their hostility towards Israel, including many named Palestinian "Christians". Yet the tragic plight of so many Palestinian Christians under the Islamic rule of the Palestinian Autonomy, where persecution and suffering is an increasing concern, does not receive the appropriate attention. It appears that the prime purpose here is to criticise the Israelis. The official, sworn agenda of the Palestinians under their national charter to eradicate the Jewish state is another such matter not receiving the appropriate attention. An official Palestinian education syllabus that describes the Jewish people as "sons of pigs and dogs" and a charter that replaces every single Israeli town, village and city with a Palestinian equivalent and which makes no provision for the existence of a Jewish state is another pivotal matter not addressed. Instead the book calls for an understanding of Palestinian Moslems and supports the creation of a Palestinian state on land promised in the Bible as an inheritance to the Jews. The latter not being recognised in this book. The book complicates the simple divine promises to the Jews pertaining to the Holy Land through a selective, theological approach chosen to pursue a specific line of thought that aligns itself with sympathies evident within the contents. Contents which maintain that any Jewish right/claim to possession of the Holy Land is entirely dependent upon Biblical standards of righteousness, nation-building and justice etc.. (the requirements upon those aliens living in their midst does not receive the same attention). The requirements upon the Jewish nation were described by the Old Testament prophets in relation to the Hebrews at the relevant time and the rebellion/sin of the Hebrews resulted in their dispersion amongst the nations and the forfeiture of their own nation during the Roman occupation. However, the Old Testament prophets clearly state that the latter day regathering of the Jewish people has no such conditions attached. Ezekiel 36; v22 to 24 shows that the Jews will be regathered into their "own land", but that God states "I do not do this for your sake O Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations....." Other examples show that the Jews are regathered in an unrepentant state which only changes with the Second Coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, when God states that He will destroy all nations that come against Israel;- ".....then they will look upon Me whom they pierced & will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son...." (Zechariah 12; v9 to 10). I urge caution upon all those who would form their opinions on this work. It appears to me, perhaps I am wrong, that the Palestinian issue is being used to usurp the fundamental Jewish claim to the Holy Land. One-sided criticism of Israel and politics being used as a two-edged sword. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: a provoking and inflammatory but absolutely necessary read
Review: Gary Burge has delivered what many Christians have been waiting for for a long time: a balanced treatment of the very sensitive issue of the Holy Lands and its denizens. Both the modern states of Israel and Palestine as well as theological considerations of land and convenant are critical issues to those who claim to follow Christ, but too often our opinions have been formed by ignorance (i.e., a lack of hard facts), sentiment, biased reporting and manipulation of information by powerful lobby groups, and finally downright poor theology.
Burge gives us enough facts to make our own decisions; he does not play favorites, but draws from both Israeli and Palestinian material and interviews with Jews, Muslims and Christians. He provides an excellent concise history of the Holy Land and Jerusalem, particularly in the 20th century.
He also furnishes a theological thinking that is sympathetic to God's abundant promises in the Bible to Israel and the Jews, but most importantly, unpacks the reality that Israel's promises from God regarding land and legacy are tied into concomitant moral obligations and responsibilities.
This volume is an outstanding look into a subject that is too often clouded by bias, well written, and displaying Biblical sympathy and compassion for all who have suffered in this terrible drama. I must congratulate the author for his fearless reporting of the facts and for his bold but well-defended conclusions, both theological and political.
I heartily recommend Whose Land? Whose Promise? to anyone of any faith who wishes to understand better the complex issues of the Holy Land.
But if you are one of too many whose theology has been formed by such tripe as Left Behind, be forewarned; you will squirm as you read this book. It will be hard and heavy going, but anyone with an open attitude will benefit greatly from the read.
For those who would label this book as anti-Zionist, I would urge you to read it, and then read your Bible. See how theologically legitimate Zionism is for a follower of Christ.
For those who would ignorantly label this book as anti-Semitic, may I remind you that Arabs are also Semitic and children of Abraham. Critique of well documented human rights abuses and clear flouting of United Nations resolutions by the political state of Israel is no more anti-Semitic than criticism US foreign policy is anti-Christian!
Rating:
Summary: Bold, from within Evangelicalism...
Review: Gary Burge has written a book that fills a void that is existent in Evangelical publishing circles. The book is rightly described as 'bold' because it seeks to challenge many ingrained assumptions Evangelicals hold in regard to the State of Israel. Still, it should be noted that Burge is relatively conservative on the subject when compared to publications of other secular (or non-American Christian) organisations. On a wider spectrum, Burge is far from radical; yet he is a bold voice within the Evangelical arena. Burge is not an undiscriminating supporter of Palestinian actions, he wishes to place those actions in a context - not an attempt to justify, but an effort to understand. Thus, his conclusions are not based on a parochial interpretation of particular biblical texts; instead, it is an informed theological, missiological, and even pastoral exploration of the realties present in the conflict. In a roundabout way, the negative reviews of this book can be considered an endorsement - because Burge hopes to challenge assumptions, those who are unwilling to confront their own biases (nor admit that their exegesis of particular biblical texts are merely one interpretation among many, not canon) will retrogress to previously unchallenged premises. Some reviews merely set forth an opinion about the State of Israel rather than an actual rejoinder to the arguments proposed in 'Whose Land, Whose Promise?'. If Burge successfully took an unbiased and non-dehumanising view of both sides of the conflict, his work would inevitably cause discomfort. This book is well worth reading. This is not to say that one must agree with all of the author's conclusions (Burge is not looking for undifferentiating disciples); 'Whose Land, Whose Promise?' is a welcome partner to the largely one-sided debate existent within Evangelicalism. For those interested in a Palestinian Christian perspective, the authors Naim Ateek ('Justice and Only Justice') and Mitri Raheb ('I am a Palestinian Christian') are worth a look.
Rating: 
Summary: good reading, but biased
Review: i read this for an assignment for a history class. it turned out to be worth the time i spent on it which is more than i can say about many other books i have read; however, the author is very biased in his assessment of the israeli-palestinian conflict. though he uses a variety of examples to show the injustices against the palestinians, he does not once bring the palestinians into judgment. not a word about the suicide bombings, attacks on civilians, threats against america and europe, and constant foreign aggression (though he talks about this subject, it does not due justice to israel... example, painting them as the aggressor in many of the wars). don't get me wrong, burge did open my eyes to many of the injustices the palestinians are put through, burge does not however give equal billing to the same, or worse, acts of terror by non-israelis.
Rating:
Summary: good reading, but biased
Review: Many people, especially non-thinking American Fundimetalists will not like this book. Burge challenges the movement prevalant in Christendom today called Zionism. Is Christ the focus of redemptive history or is the Jewish State of Israel? For many fundimentalists, the reunification of Israel in 1948 was the fulfillment of OT prophecy. Burge takes the reader carefully through the passages and shows how it is virtually IMPOSSIBE to transfer the wonderful promises of God to support destruction of Palestinian homes--some of them Christians. In other words, Christians are supporting the violence of Israel against Palestinian Chirstians. You can't look at all of the horrible atrocities and death in the middle east, sick back in you Lazyboy recliner with a "Left Behind" book and say, "Well, that just the fulfillment of prophecy."
If you are angry so far at this review, and you are a dispensationalist, PLEASE read this book. Borrow it if you have to, but read it and think.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't be Offended
Review: Many people, especially non-thinking American Fundimetalists will not like this book. Burge challenges the movement prevalant in Christendom today called Zionism. Is Christ the focus of redemptive history or is the Jewish State of Israel? For many fundimentalists, the reunification of Israel in 1948 was the fulfillment of OT prophecy. Burge takes the reader carefully through the passages and shows how it is virtually IMPOSSIBE to transfer the wonderful promises of God to support destruction of Palestinian homes--some of them Christians. In other words, Christians are supporting the violence of Israel against Palestinian Chirstians. You can't look at all of the horrible atrocities and death in the middle east, sick back in you Lazyboy recliner with a "Left Behind" book and say, "Well, that just the fulfillment of prophecy."
If you are angry so far at this review, and you are a dispensationalist, PLEASE read this book. Borrow it if you have to, but read it and think.
Rating:
Summary: excellent book.
Review: That Professor Burge is doing something controversial can be seen by the bipolar nature of the preceding reviews. I would like to applaud him for the courage to write this book, which is filled with documented evidence to support the case he is making. If you believe that the state of Israel can do no wrong, and should not be held to any moral standard, then this book will be offensive. If on the other hand, you do not believe that the political state of Israel is representative of God's people then this book is a must read. If you know what will happen in the future and are waiting for the new temple to be rebuilt so that Jesus can return. If you want to support the state of Israel to speed this occurrence, then the book will be offensive. If, on the other hand, if you want to learn more about Christian brothers and sisters who are being persecuted in the middle east, and would like to empathize with and support them, then this book is a must read. If you already know all the answers, don't read this book. If you are still learning, the book will provide much to think about.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't be misled. Read your Bible.
Review: The contents of this book reveal an alarming ignorance in relation to the eternal covenant proclaimed by Almighty God to the Jewish people, namely the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Granted, as one reviewer states, the initial possession of the Land was dependant upon their obedience to God, and hence their diaspora/expulsion from the Land during the Roman occupation. However, their promised return to the Land during the end times, declared by the Lord God of Israel in the Scriptures shows no such dependency. In Ezekiel Chapter 36 verses 22-24 this is made clear. The Old Testament prophet declares that God will gather the Jews from all nations and return them to their own Land. He declares that �I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name�s sake�.� Of course this in no way excuses the Israeli government of any wrongdoings or any other government for that matter. Yet this book only concentrates on making a plethora of allegations against the Jewish state of Israel whilst going out of it�s way to align itself with the Palestinian side. The contents of this book do not bear a thorough examination by Scripture. It is indeed a case of more anti-Israelism and anti-Zionism being hidden behind a mis-interpretation of Scripture. Prayerfully read your Bible and you will discover the true place of the Jews, their state and their return to their Land, and what God (not politicians) have to say about the matter.
Rating:
Summary: Eye opening
Review: This work is a look at a difficult situation from an evangelical Christian perspective. It is a different view that actually demonstrates the enormous complexity of the situation. Burge writes some things that are tough to take because they run counter to the black and white dispensational theology that is so popular among fundamentalist Christians and Charismatics. The current nation of Israel has done unrighteous deeds in the name of God. Christians have supported them from the false perspective that this is a fulfillment of God's prophetic plan. Yet Israel is an unrighteous nation that has killed in the name of God. Israel has deprived thousands of people of their rights to justice. Israel has dispossessed people from their homes and lands with no compensation, not just Moselms but Arab Christians as well. Burge does not condone the acts of the Arab jihad and the suicide bombers but neither does he condone the unrighteous behavior of the Israelis. His conclusion is that we Christians should not be supporting Israeli unjustice. These acts of unrighteousness are hurting our Christian brethren who live in Palestine.
Rating:
Summary: Well Written and Reasoned
Review: Whose Land? Whose Promise? should be required reading for anyone who wants to know what is really going on in Israel/Palestine. With clear, well-written prose that makes this book a pleasure to read, Gary Burge tackles the thorny problem of Jewish/Palestinian relations from a strong, well-reasoned biblical perspective. Read it with an open mind and an open heart, and you'll have a much deeper understanding of the historic, spiritual, and political background of this tempestuous corner of the world.
| 
