Fair-minded and sympathetic to Jewish, Muslim, and Christian concerns, Lutz and Smith provide a clear account of the Israeli-Palestinian situation and a compelling plea for Christian involvement in the area. Carefully sorting out the tangled historical and religious roots of the problems, they reveal the strong forces at work in the conflict and lay out the driving biblical notions of election and covenant, the historical causes of the bitter and divisive clashes of the last 50 years, the complex demographic and political issues today, how Palestinians (particularly Christians) have been affected by the turmoil, and how, finally, Christians must engage the future of justice and peace. Includes maps and twelve black and white photos.

From the Publisher
Endorsements: "Welcome to a land called 'holy.' That's a succinct summary of this new engaging enterprise by the Lutz-Smith team. The sub-title, 'Fostering, peace, justice, and hope' says it even more directly — this journey to the holy land is a pragmatic and promise-filled venture with stimulating stories, helpful 'how to's', and ready resources.

I commend the authors for telling their stories of the holy land through their eyes and ears and perceptions. Their views challenge the reader to learn more about this place called Holy!

Thanks to Augsburg for the opportunity to take this pilgrimage to the land called holy. Now it is up to us readers to take the next steps toward peace, justice and hope! And bring this book along on your journey!

May we all be lead to Be Hope and Do Hope in our own personal holy lands of life!"

— Dr. Richard Bimler, President, Wheat Ridge Ministries

About the Author
Charles P. Lutz is a retired journalist and is coordinator in Minnesota of Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of 20 national church policy agencies. He writes and speaks frequently on matters of faith and politics involving Israel and Palestine and has frequently visited the Holy Land with groups of concerned Christians. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Robert O. Smith is a Doctoral Fellow at the J.M. Dawson Institute for Church-State Studies, Baylor University, and Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA), Coryell City, Texas.