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Why Go? A Theological Foundation
PILGRIMAGE IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
WHY GO? A THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
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Our brothers and sisters in Christ, with whom we are called to be of one Body (1 Corinthians 12) are yearning for us to come.
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We are called to love God with all of our minds as well as with all of our hearts (Matthew 22:37); we should therefore be as informed as possible about the history and present-day needs of all people in this "cradle of our faith."
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"Come, follow me," said Jesus (Mark 1:17). Visiting the sites of the Bible and walking where Jesus walked enriches our understanding of scripture and personal devotions.
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We are called by our Lord to be active peacemakers and to work for justice among the poor and oppressed. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called children of God, (Matt 5:9), and “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me …to proclaim release to the captives...and to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18).
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Given that the Presbyterian church has among the longest-standing Protestant mission efforts in the Middle East, this is a Presbyterian calling.
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Ted Settle (New Brunswick Presbytery) captured the beauty of the Dome of the Rock during his visit, which was organized by the New Jersey Israel and Palestine Education Group, a state-wide Presbyterian Task Force supported by six Presbyteries.
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