Reading List
Sometimes people ask me to suggest some books they might read about the Holy Land. Here are some of my suggested books along with a few comments.
Chacour, Elias Blood Brothers. Chosen Books, Baker Publishing. 2007.
This is an easy read and a very good introduction to understanding Israel and the Palestinians and the Christian Community of the Holy Land.. This should be your first read -- if you are preparing for a pilgrimage and want to understand the people of the land. The Author is now retired Archbishop of Akko (Melkite Greek Catholic Church). Chacour is a peacemaker, who seeks reconciliation between Arabs and Jews -- and sees the Church as having the role of reconciler between estranged blood brothers. You can purchase the book on Amazon for about $20. Click here to read an excerpt -- Chapter 1. 
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Brueggeman, Walter: Chosen? Reading the Bible amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Westminster- John Knox Press. 2015
This is an easily read theological reflection on the questions about the land covenants of the Torah and Prophetic writings -- and how these texts should be understood today in light of the present situation in the Holy Land. Bruggeman is an Old Testament scholar of international standing. His voice is always thoughtful and gracious, offering insightful reflection on a topic that is usually discussed in shrill tones. I recommend this book as your highly. Walter Brueggemann is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. | ||
Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome, The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. 5th Edition NY: Oxford University Press, 2008.
There are many tourist guide books available that tell you something about the various sites that pilgrims visit in the Holy Land. I've bought quite a few over the years. A good one in that category is John Beck's listed below. Most of these contain all sorts of travel/hotel/where to go advice and historical background on sites. If however, you are looking for a guide that gives detailed, accurate information about the various sites themselves -- the is the book. It has a strong archaeological bent rather than just tourist info. Without any doubt this is the best researched and most authoritative guide available regarding the Holy sites of this land. About $35 in paperback -- $20 in Kindle. If you want to dig deep into the story, the archaeology, and the details about the holy sites, this is the book. I never make pilgrimage without my copy of this gem. Dr. Murphy-O'Connor was a Dominican Priest (served for many years as Professor of New Testament at Jerusalem's, Ecole Biblique) |
Dalrymple, William. From the Holy Mountain: A Journey Among the Christians in the Middle East (NY: Holt 1999).
Dalrymple's book is a fun read. He follows in the footsteps of a couple 6th Century monks who set off on an adventure exploring the Holy Land. The author retraces their journey. This is a fun read -- and by the time you are done you have a wonderful understanding of the ancient churches of the east. If you are interested in the back-story to the complex religious reality of Christians in the middle-east this is a great read. I felt a sense of loss when I was finished reading this great book. About $20 online. |
John Beck: The Holy Land for Christian Travelers: An Illustrated Guide to Israel
This is an outstanding one-volume travel guide for the Holy Land. Beck covers a lot of ground. He overviews biblical history, alerts pilgrims to proper etiquette for various sites, and provides details about the key sites. Includes maps, info-graphics, timelines. Small enough for you to carry with you during your trip and has a good index of locations at the back for quick navigation. Sermon: John Stott: The Place of Israel
The late John Stott (1921-2011) was an Anglican Priest and Rector of All Soul's Langham Place. His ministry spanned continents and he emerged as a leading voice of Anglican Evangelicals. His teaching was always gracious and clear. In this sermon he speaks to questions that arise in the minds of pilgrims to the ' Promise Land.' I do commend this as a worthwhile 15 minute read.
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Kairos Palestine A moment of truth: A word of faith, hope, and love. 2009
The Kairos Palestine document is published by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem as an appeal to "hear the cry of hope that our children have launched in these difficult times that we still experience in this Holy Land." This is worth reading to understand the situation of the Christians of the Holy Land today..
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