Pre-Work

This week we will be getting to know each other and getting familiar with the concept of “settler colonialism.” Before class, choose one of the following resources to read/watch/listen to. While this pre-work is not mandatory, we have limited time together in class. Choose the resource that fits your learning style/available time, but know that the longer resources provide more depth.

Option 1: Video (<5 Min)

Palestine 101: Not That Complicated (2017)

Option 2: Book Chapter (~22 pages)

Settler Colonialism, Palestine and the Bible (2023)

Chapter 1 of Decolonizing Palestine by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb

The first chapter of Decolonizing Palestine provides a brief history of the creation and expansion of the Israeli settler colonial project with a specific focus on the Bible and theology. The chapter traces Christian Zionism from its beginnings in England to present day Evangelical and Liberal Support for Israel through five distinct stages: seeding the seeds, taking the land (1948), expanding the boundaries (1967), negotiating a compromise (1990s), and sealing the settler project (2000s - today).

Borrow / Purchase the whole book or read the excerpt of chapter one below:

Option 2a: Lecture (10 or 50 min)

Rev. Dr. Raheb’s talk at Princeton Theological Seminary covers chapter 1 of his book in video form. Lecture starts at (12:43). If time is limited focus on the first 10 minutes of Rev. Dr. Raheb’s talk: 12:43 - 23:17.