Disappearing Christian Presence in Middle East
Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Middle East reminds us that the region includes more than simply Muslims and Jews. It is easy to forget that there has historically been a strong Christian presence in the region -- even if it has long been a minority one. Philip Jenkins' book, The Lost History of Christianity (HarperOne, 2009), highlights much of this history.
But, what was once a vibrant Christian community is on a quickening path of decline -- largely due to emigration. Jerusalem was, just a half century ago 20% Christian -- now it is about 5%. Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity was a century ago 80% Christian, now this beleaguered city is down to about 30%. Just since the Iraq War began, Iraq's Christian population has been cut in half. Ethan Bronner's NY Times article documents this decline as a background piece to the Pope's visit. He notes a number of causes, including the rise of militant Islam and the decline of nationalism as the key to Arab identity. Remember that the Baathist and similar parties, being secular, included or include (Syria remains Baathist) Christians. The PLO included Christians in its ranks -- and the Palestinian Authority continues to include them -- Hamas does not.
It is a good article, but it neglects to mention the destabilizing effect of Israeli statehood in this mix. Christians lived as a sizable minority for centuries, but only since Israel's statehood has this situation changed. In part that is because in the Muslim world, Christians are linked to the US government, and thus to unwavering support for Israel, which most Muslims see as unfair.
I realize that this is a very complicated topic, but I think we can and should mourn the decline of Christianity in its place of birth. It will be sad if Christian sites become nothing more than museum pieces, with no vibrant living Christian presence. It will also be dangerous to not have this buffer in a region with two powerful forces at odds with each other. Israel may be small, but militarily (and with nuclear weapons), it has more than held its own.
My prayer is that the Pope can raise the image of Christians in the region, so that we can remember that they are there in our homeland.
But, what was once a vibrant Christian community is on a quickening path of decline -- largely due to emigration. Jerusalem was, just a half century ago 20% Christian -- now it is about 5%. Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity was a century ago 80% Christian, now this beleaguered city is down to about 30%. Just since the Iraq War began, Iraq's Christian population has been cut in half. Ethan Bronner's NY Times article documents this decline as a background piece to the Pope's visit. He notes a number of causes, including the rise of militant Islam and the decline of nationalism as the key to Arab identity. Remember that the Baathist and similar parties, being secular, included or include (Syria remains Baathist) Christians. The PLO included Christians in its ranks -- and the Palestinian Authority continues to include them -- Hamas does not.
It is a good article, but it neglects to mention the destabilizing effect of Israeli statehood in this mix. Christians lived as a sizable minority for centuries, but only since Israel's statehood has this situation changed. In part that is because in the Muslim world, Christians are linked to the US government, and thus to unwavering support for Israel, which most Muslims see as unfair.
I realize that this is a very complicated topic, but I think we can and should mourn the decline of Christianity in its place of birth. It will be sad if Christian sites become nothing more than museum pieces, with no vibrant living Christian presence. It will also be dangerous to not have this buffer in a region with two powerful forces at odds with each other. Israel may be small, but militarily (and with nuclear weapons), it has more than held its own.
My prayer is that the Pope can raise the image of Christians in the region, so that we can remember that they are there in our homeland.
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