Synopsis: Our theology does not exist in a vacuum but must relate to the world we inhabit and must influence our moral and ethical actions. This is especially true when discussing theology of "the land" in the context of a violent territorial conflict. The Holy Land has seen so much bloodshed that the earth itself is crying out to God. The chapters presented in this book form a unique collection of voices speaking from different perspectives on the issue of the theology of the land. These voices include Messianic Jewish and Palestinian Christian theologians and scholars who live in the Holy Land, as well as others from around the world. The various chapters re ect a wide spectrum of opinion and reveal how much disagreement still exists among followers of Christ. However, the dialogue generated by having these opposing voices side by side, speaking to each other rather than past each other, is encouraging. This book is both challenging and inspirational, and contributes in an innovative way to this important discussion. Endorsements: "This book plunges the reader into the complexities and intransigencies of this most urgent and most difficult of all of our public problems . . . the Holy Land. The discussion provides a rich, representative spectrum of opinion and puts acute hermeneutical differences fully on exhibit. The book inches toward the legitimacy of 'the other, ' and one author dares to conclude that it is not history or land that finally matters, but 'it is in the face of the other that we find the image of God.' This collection adds more voices to the ongoing struggle. Like other voices in the cacophony, these voices fall short of the reconciliation that the cry of the land requires." --Walter Brueggemann Columbia Theological Seminary "The Land Cries Out is a valuable anthology of theological perspectives of both Palestinian and Israeli followers of Jesus on the issue of 'the Land.' The representative national (and international) voices serve as a helpful resource to acquaint one with the theological complexity of the Body of Christ in Israel/Palestine. The anthology illustrates how both regional politics and theological influences affect each community's reading of Scripture and offers some constructive attempts to escape the theological impasse between both communities." --Akiva Cohen Haifa Theological Institute Author Biography: Salim J. Munayer is a Palestinian Israeli theologian and lecturer at the Bethlehem Bible College, as well as the cofounder and director of Musalaha, a ministry that seeks to facilitate reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Lisa Loden is a leader in the Israeli Messianic Jewish community. She heads up and is a lecturer in the Department of Leadership Development Studies at the Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary.

This book addresses the universal theological dimension of reconciliation in the context of the Israeli Messianic Jewish and Palestinian Christian divide. Palestinian Christians and Israeli Messianic Jews share a belief in Jesus as the son of God and Messiah. Often, though, that is all they have in common. This remarkable book, written in collaboration by a local Palestinian Christian and an Israeli Messianic Jew, seeks to bridge this gap by addressing head on, divisive theological issues (as well as their political implications) such as land, covenant, prophecy and eschatology which separate their two communities. The struggle for reconciliation is painful and often extremely difficult for all of us. This unique work seeks to show a way forward. COMMENDATIONS "In a world that wants to see only one side of every conflict (and this one especially), where people believe only their own propaganda, and where many Christians inhabit hard shells of theological, political and apocalyptic certainties, this book is a bravely different voice. Rather, it is two voices talking carefully, honestly, graciously, respectfully and truthfully to each other - as sisters and brothers in the Messiah should. This is a unique conversation in which each partner, Messianic Jewish Israeli and Palestinian Christian, gives full expression to all that they are and think and feel about themselves and the conflict in their land. We are treated to some stretching theological debate and some honest self-criticism. But above all we come to share the hope and courage that shines through the pain and struggle." - Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership, UK "The Palestinian-Israeli divide may be the most intractable conflict of our time. With great courage, honestly facing the turbulent political, historical, and theological landscape which authentic reconciliation must engage, Munayer and Loden open up fresh space. Given the divides between their communities, this book is a remarkable achievement, a cry of hope from the land where Jesus walked." - Chris Rice, Director of the Center for Reconciliation, Duke Divinity School, USA