Author: Judith Rood
Located in: Port Hueneme
Submitted: December 01, 2025
Tell us a little about yourself. The cover of my book is a close-up of the Western Wall of Cavalry Chapel at Biola University. It is a monumental sculpture entitled "The Resurrection." To me, it is a symbol of hope and redemption. We must lament war, but we must not wail, for God is with us--Emmanuel, Our Savior, sees all and knows all. In Him we trust and stand firm for our faith in a sea of hate.
I'm Emerita Professor of History and Middle East Studies at Biola University. I taught undergraduate and graduate students at the Melbourne School of Theology, Biola University, William Tyndale University (now an Islamic Center in Farmington Hills, MI!), Wayne State University, Oakland University, the University of Chicago, and Hebrew University beween 1986-2018.
I'm a Jewish Christian, and did my doctoral research in the Islamic Court archives in Jerusalem, the basis of my first book, "Sacred Law in the Holy City." In that book I focused on Ottoman government in Jerusalem and am an expert on Jerusalem in Islam. I specialized in World History and International Relations, and helped students to learn how to do research based on primary sources: historic documents and artifacts. My second book, "Beauty for Ashes: Understanding the Israel-Hamas War" brought the most important things I've learned about the Arab-Israel Conflict to readers concerned about Israelis and Palestinians.
What was your motivation behind this project? I believe all Christians, Jews, and Muslims owe it to themselves to understand the Arab-Israel Conflict. During Advent my thoughts and prayers are with the believers in Israel and the Palestinian areas, especially in Gaza, Bethlehem, Nazareth and the many villages and towns of the West Bank--Judea and Samaria. The history of Arab Christianity is often completely overlooked and my book focuses in on the Christmas story to help readers to understand the context of the conflict.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I pray that it will help us to develop good teaching and policy--both are needed to help Israelis and Palestinians to understand that they are loved by Jesus and that His commandment to love our enemies anchors our hope for salvation and redemption--both personal and national.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Over the past year I've been corresponding with readers, and presenting the book to a large range of audiences on podcasts and in person. The feedback has been wonderful! As I work on Volume 2 I am encouraged by the book's reception. I am eager to see how the second book will amplify interest in Jerusalem in politics and prophecy.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? I am an avid reader. The work of post-supersessionist theologians have especially blessed me as I developed my idea of "a generous theology of history." Kendall Soulen, Mark Kinzer, Robert Saucy, Tony Maalouf, Lamin Sanneh, Scott LaTourette, and many others have shaped my thinking. The idea that the Church has replaced Israel is an old idea, built upon misconceptions and hatred. One of my readers, Dutch Pastor Edjan Westerman, has been using my work in his ministry, and his book "Learning Messiah" is a wonderful complement to mine.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: May my book bless you during this season of Advent.
