Israel, the Church, and the Middle East (ICME) is a collection of mostly essays (one section contains the results of a survey and another a statement from the Alliance for the Peace of Jerusalem) that challenges the idea of supersessionism is presents a positive case for Israel's distinctive eschatological future and how that might or might not relate to the modern nation of Israel. The issue is a timely one both theologically and geopolitically.

Ironically, the best place to start is probably with the final chapter, which contains Darrell Bock's summary of the previous chapters. This provides a good orientation and distillation of the main points for the various essays that are grouped into four sections: (1) Biblical Foundations, (2) Theology and the Conflict, (3) Yeshua in the Midst of Crisis, and (4) Current Challenges to Peace in Israel.

The most compelling and convincing cases against supersessionism, or put more positively, the case for a distinctive eschatological future for ethnic Israel, is probably put forward exegetically in the chapters by Mark Yarbrough and Craig Blaising, hermeneutically by Michael Rydelnik who argues for a consistent interpretive approach in both Testaments, and historically by Michael Vlach, who notes that the "restorationism" ("national Israel remains theologically significant in God's plans") is neither new nor uniquely dispensational (pp. 19, 134).

The question of how or if modern Israel fits into a restoration matrix is addressed in sections three and four. Bailey asks and answers the question, "should Christians support the modern state of Israel," with a nuancing that is too often lacking from both sides of the debate. And kudos to editors in general, and Brown in particular, for not avoiding the thorny and controversial "two-state solution" that many see as the most viable way forward in the Middle East.

Balance is also exhibited in the fact that though the essays are decidedly in favor of a distinctive eschatological future for ethnic Israel, Jews generally, and modern Israel specifically, are not given a biblical, ethical, or political "blank check." This is evident in Richard Averbeck's call for Jewish acceptance of the gospel and Bock's caution against an ethically blind "nationalism" and his call for Israel to seek restoration and justice.

But perhaps the most enlightening and challenging discussions for me were the one's related to the messianic movement in Israel and the Palestinian church. One can see a field ripe to harvest but also fraught with obstacles, misunderstandings, and downright persecutions. Yet, seeing the faith and love of these Christ followers was exhilarating and convicting.

In sum, ICME is a helpful entree for those seeking to better familiarize themselves with the case for what Vlach calls "restorationism." But it is also valuable refresher for those like this reviewer who are relatively familiar with the issues and arguments.

Thanks to Kregel for providing the copy used in this unbiased review.

First, this book is filled with typos, as if it never received a final proofread. Second, while the chapters are a strong defense of Israel's continued role in God's purposes, and brought a lot of things to my attention, I don't think this book breaks any new ground. There are plenty of helpful treatments of this issue out there, both in print and even on youtube in the form of debates, lectures and commentaries, so I don't think the price of this book is worth it. In my very humble opinion, you are not missing out on anything if you pass this one up.

Recently I finished a book called Israel, The Church and the Middle East edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch Glaser. Like a previous book, Messiah in the Passover, that I reviewed this one was written by Chosen People Ministries. However, unlike the last book, this one is about the on-going conflict in the middle east and challenges our understanding of Replacement Theology or supercessionist themes that is prevalent in our churches today.

Many folks that I have met in my ministry, both in person and online believe that God no longer has a plan for the Jewish people. Most recently, my heart was broken to hear someone who stated they loved Jesus would rather talk with a muslim terrorist than a God-forsaken Jew. This book, this book addresses those thoughts.

In order to give a review for this book, I had to take more than my average thirty days in reading it because there is a lot to digest in this book and honestly, not everyone is going to love this bookmatter of fact, the dispensational views contained in this book will not set well with many in the modern church.

So what is this book? Its compilation of 13 essays written by scholars covering topics that can easily be summed up as:

1. Biblical Foundations

2. Theology and The Conflict

3. Yeshua (Jesus) in the Midst of Crisis

4. Current Challenges to Peace in Israel

Each one of these essays are written in a way that will help you understand why its imperative that as Christians we support Israel and cant see ourselves as the replacement of the People of Godthe Jews.

Even if you disagree with this book, you will definitely be able to state that this was written in a way that definitely makes you think about Israel from Gods stand point. As Dr. Darrell Bock states in the conclusion Anyone reading the chapters in this book immediately senses the web of complexities the region presents. Multiple millennia of conflicts and proposed solutions will certainly not be reversed overnight. With so many faiths present, establishing productive and irenic dialogue, as well as trust, is a significant challenge. Because violence is so often an act of first resort peaceful solutions have proven to be elusive. Nevertheless, it is the conviction of the authors of these chapters that there is a way forward--which begins with a deeper understanding of the role of Israel in God's plan" (loc 5994).

I was provided this book for free by Kregel Publications for an honest and objective review.