The Bible and Zionism

Does the bible justify Zionism? Since the foundation of the Israeli state in 1948, Torah and tank have become increasingly inseparable, resulting in the forced expulsion and subjugation of millions of indigenous Palestinians.

Nur Masalha's groundbreaking new book traces Zionism's evolution from a secular, settler movement in the late 19th century, to the messianic faith it has become today. He shows how the biblical language of 'chosen people' and 'promised land' has been used by many Christian and Jewish Zionists as the 'title deeds' for Israel, justifying ethnic division and violence. With Edward Said, Masalha argues that a new politics of peace can only be achieved through a single, democratic state, which replaces religious zealotry with secular equality.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The Bible and the Founding Myths of Israel: History, New Historiography and the Truth (1882-1948)
2. From the Secular to the Sacred: Messianic Zionism and the Occupied Territories (1967-2006)
3. Reinventing Maimonides: From Universalist Arabo-Jewish Philosopher to Religious Fundamentalist (1967-2006)
4. Jewish Fundamentalism and the 'Sacred Geography' of Jerusalem in Comparative Perspective: Implications for Inter-faith Relations
5. The Politics of Armageddon: Christian Fundamentalism, the State of Israel and Jerusalem
6. Political Islam in Palestine and Israel
7. Reading the Bible with the Eyes of the Canaanites: Michael Prior, Liberation Theology and Moral Obligations
8. The Secular Democractic State: Edward W. Said and a New Political Vision for Palestine and Israel
Epilogue

About the Author:

Nur Masalha is Reader in Religion and Politics, and Director of the Centre for Religion and History and the Holy Land Research Project, St Mary's University College, UK. He is Editor of 'Holy Land Studies: A Multidisciplinary Journal'. His books include: 'Imperial Israel and the Palestinians' (2000); and 'The Politics of Denial' (2003).