Video: Todd Deatherage on Middle East Uprising
What should we make of the Arab Spring? How should we view these revolutions as Americans, as followers of Jesus, or as people who want peace? Todd Deatherage, co-founder of the Telos Group and former staff member for the Bush Administration, provides some insight and understanding to these events. As someone who has worked extensively in the Middle East, he shares his thoughts about the role of Americans and American evangelicals in this movement.
Reflection
- What does it mean to be an agent of hope rather than a purveyor of fear?
- Why is it important that we recognize that the Bible starts in Genesis 1, rather than Genesis 3? How might this affect the way we understand the events in the Middle East?
- What do you think about the idea that when there is no avenue for justice, people often turn to violence and despair?
- How do you think a person’s understanding of the “end times” might affect the way he/she understands Jesus’s call to be a peacemaker?
- Why is it important for words and actions to be aligned in foreign policy? Do you think the United States has had a foreign policy that is in line with the ideals of America? How did you come to that conclusion?
- Do you have any friends from the Middle East? If not, how would you go about building those friendships?
- Why is it important to be both Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestine in order to be Pro-peace?
