Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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To Whom Does the Land Belong
May 16, 2025
On April 1, the Interfaith Peace Working Group of Wisconsin offered a special presentation called, “To Whom Does the Land Belong.” This featured Dennis Olson, who served as a professor of Old Testament Theology and Chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Princeton Theological Seminary.
The four areas Professor Olson addressed are:
What are some of the key Old Testament texts related to the people Israel and the land of Canaan/Palestine, and how have they been used on various sides of the conflict?
How do some Palestinian Christian scholars read and interpret the Old Testament promises of the land to Israel? The discussion includes the debate between OT scholar Walt Brueggeman and Palestinian scholar Mitri Raheb.
What are some Old Testament texts that seem to reject the notion that Israel alone is God’s chosen people or that the land of Canaan rightfully belongs to them?
What are other OT texts that might contribute to work toward peaceful or multi-state solutions for this conflicted land?
You can hear Professor Olson’s responses to these questions and more with this recording
Posted in
Peace & Nonviolence