Christian Citizenship in the Middle East

Since Jesus raised a denarius and instructed his incredulous bystanders to “render unto Caesar what is Caesars” but “to God what is Gods” Christians have labored to understand and to practice a kind of duel citizenship. The faithful, Christian political witness is on trial today, hardly more so than in this book’s focused region of the Middle East, where followers of Jesus continue to live “under Caesar’s sword.” This is why Christian Citizenship in the Middle East is an urgent book, not just for scholars of Jesus’ homeland, but for disciples on political pilgrimage all throughout the world, under many Caesars, owing many obligations - some perhaps proper patriotism, others needing vigorous resistance. This book is an indispensable guide for such a time as this. – Robert Joustra, Associate Professor of Politics & International Studies, Redeemer University College (Toronto, Canada)Topping headlines in today’s news are reports of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Many Christians who are able to flee are leaving their homes to escape danger. This tragedy requires serious investigation of its roots and causes. What better place to begin (or continue) the search for understanding than this book on Christian citizenship in the Middle East. It does more than assess the multi-dimensional crisis. Its authors point constructively to ways Christians can hold fast to their faith while making the wisest decisions possible to exercise their citizenship. – James W. Skillen, Ph.D., Duke University, president (retired), Center for Public Justice, Washington, D.C.This book provides a provocative set of reflections on an important and timely theme: Christian citizenship as a response to the crisis arising in the Middle East. It begins a conversation that is essential to the preservation of pluralism in the Middle East that also extends to our own western societies. – Paul S. Rowe, Professor of Political and International Studies, Trinity Western University

Mohammed Girma PhD is International Advocacy Officer at the International Bible Advocacy Centre and Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria.

Cristian Romocea PhD is Senior Bible Advocate at the International Bible Advocacy Centre (IBAC).