Disturbing Signs of Anti-Semitism in the PC(USA)

I have been trying to avoid getting into politics on this blog. I really have. Some time ago I wrote that I was looking for a church that would focus on eternal truths and salvation, not secular politics of the left or the right. I said there are plenty of places I can go for political activism. I don’t need a church for that.

I thought I had found that in the church I joined. I knew that the Presbyterian denomination was tilting more and more liberal on social issues, but my congregation said it was a “confessing church,” which meant it would stick to the Bible, regardless of current trends in secular thinking.

I have not been disappointed in that decision. The people in my congregation probably have a variety of political views, but they are united in, as they say, “Knowing Christ, Growing in Christ, and Showing Christ to the World.” They have taught me a lot and every day I learn more.

As part of that learning I am tackling some of the most intellectually demanding material I have ever read, as well as some of the kindest and most loving ministries I have ever witnessed. I also read a number of blogs about current happenings within the Presbyterian denomination (Presbyterian Church USA), and have watched from a distance as the governing bodies of the church argue about issues like ordaining gay ministers. As a mere lay member of the church, I can only pray that it all gets sorted out in keeping with what Christ would want.

But one of the blogs I most respect is called “Naming His Grace,” by Viola Larson. I don’t know anything about Mrs. Larson, except that she seems very knowledgeable and well-grounded. I never fail to learn from her postings.

She has been writing about Israel and the PCUSA and included a link to the web site and facebook page of the “Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA)”

I am in shock. I have never seen such a collection of anti-Israel propaganda assembled in one place before. This group, which was formed by the PC(USA) in 2004, is completely one-sided and hateful. I am suddenly ashamed to be associated with an organization that would sponsor such calumny.

This group shamelessly uses the words of Christ as a cover for raw anti-semitism. Much of the material it features goes well beyond any current dispute over borders or the rights of Palestinians to include ideas such as going back to the pre-1948 situation. That is, pushing the Jews back into the sea.

This is unacceptable. As a Christian, I am also a Jew. Not only is the Old Testament an essential part of my beliefs, but Jesus came to Earth specifically to fulfill the prophesies of the Old Testament so that he could establish a New Covenant with us.

Israel has every right to defend itself against suicide bombers and rockets that are launched specifically to terrorize civilians. The blame for the ongoing conflict rests squarely with Arab leaders who refuse to accept the presence of a Jewish state, and who in fact use the existence of Israel as an excuse for their own failure to improve the well-being of their own people.

I pray to God that Presbyterians everywhere come to their senses and reject this horror show.