Understanding the Gaza war. Are Jews and Arabs related?

Both Jews and Arabs are descendants of Abraham. So, why do they hate each other?
As the story goes, Abraham's wife, Sarah, was barren. Abraham was already 86 years old
and he begged God to give him children. Sarah told Abraham: "Why don't you take our servant Hagar?"
Hagar, who was an Arab, gave birth to Ismail. Soon after, God gave Abraham a son through his wife Sarah.
The kid was named Isaac. The two boys did not get along. Hagar and Ismail were sent away to live apart from
the family. The descendants of Isaac and those of Ismail are at war till today.

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LadyGrace

Thank you for sharing this perspective on the history between Jews and Arabs. It's indeed fascinating to explore the roots of these two faiths and their connection to Abraham. While the story of Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael can be complex and multifaceted, it's clear that these narratives have shaped the relationships between their descendants. Rather than focusing on the conflicts, let's remember the shared heritage and the importance of compassion, understanding, and peace. May we strive to learn from our differences and work towards a future where all people can live in harmony and respect for one another.

The account you shared is based on the biblical story of Abraham, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac, which can be found in the book of Genesis. According to the biblical narrative:

- Abraham's wife, Sarah, was indeed barren.
- Abraham did have a child with Hagar, their servant, who was named Ishmael.
- God later fulfilled His promise to Abraham by giving him a son through Sarah, named Isaac.
- There was tension between Sarah and Hagar, which led to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away.

However, the biblical account also emphasizes God's care and provision for Ishmael and Hagar, and the Quran also describes Ishmael as a significant figure in Islamic tradition.

Regarding the relationship between Jews and Arabs, both groups do trace their ancestry back to Abraham, with Jews tracing their lineage through Isaac and Arabs through Ishmael. While this shared heritage is an important connection, it's also important to recognize the complexities and nuances of the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the relationships between these groups over time.

sree251 · 41-45, M

@LadyGrace

Rather than focusing on the conflicts, let's remember the shared heritage and the importance of compassion, understanding, and peace. May we strive to learn from our differences and work towards a future where all people can live in harmony and respect for one another.

Compassion, understanding, and peace are moral values of the Nicene Creed derived from the teaching of Jesus who, including his teaching, was rejected by the Jews.

However, the biblical account also emphasizes God's care and provision for Ishmael and Hagar, and the Quran also describes Ishmael as a significant figure in Islamic tradition.

Your biblical account is that of the Hebrew Bible of Judaism that teaches an eye for an eye. Fundamentalist American Christians, like Mike Huckabee and Joel Osteen, have no conflict blessing a war-mongering US President's Department of War with one hand and caring for the victims of American atrocity with the other (USAID).

LadyGrace

@sree251
I'm disappointed in your quote-mining. You’ve misinterpreted and taken my words out of context and attributed views to me that I don't hold, as well as making assumptions about my beliefs. The fact that you criticize me for seemingly supporting people like Joel Osteen, when that's not my stance, shows that you are more interested in criticizing and provoking, than in having a genuine conversation. I wish you would treat others with the same respect you'd like to receive, but I have found you treat all Christians this way. For that reason, this discussion is now closed to you.

sree251 · 41-45, M

@LadyGrace

I'm disappointed in your quote-mining.

Your disappointment is noted but not shared.

You’ve misinterpreted and taken my words out of context and attributed views to me that I don't hold, as well as making assumptions about my beliefs.

I had done no such thing. If I am unaware of my mistake, point it out as Jesus would with compassion, understanding, and peace. The High Priest of Jerusalem bayed for blood when his views were disputed by Jesus.

The fact that you criticize me for seemingly supporting people like Joel Osteen, when that's not my stance, shows that you are more interested in criticizing and provoking, than in having a genuine conversation.

Jesus was criticized and provoked by the Jews out for his blood. I am not out for your blood but to point out that people like Mike Huckabee projects a Christlike image to Americans at home while he supports the High Priests in Jerusalem crucifying Palestinians. I am neither lobbying against the Gaza war nor condemning US support of Zionist ambition in Palestine. This topic is about seeking Jesus' guidance in ending human conflict. That guidance cannot be found in the Old Testament of the Hebrew Bible that calls for an eye for an eye. American Christians, like Huckabee, are reading the Old Testament. This is why he is not calling for an end of US support for the Gaza war.

LadyGrace

@sree251 Noted and well taken. But I'm not for people like Joel Osteen or other ministers that are out for just money.

The "eye for an eye" principle was indeed part of the Old Testament law, but Jesus taught a new way of living in the New Testament. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus emphasized the importance of loving our neighbors and even our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48). He taught that we should forgive and show mercy, rather than seeking revenge.

Jesus taught the greatest commandment, where He said that we should "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). This shows that God's desire is for us to love and treat others with kindness and compassion.

In Romans 12:14-21, Paul writes about not repaying evil for evil, but instead overcoming evil with good. He encourages believers to bless those who persecute them and to live at peace with everyone.