Humankind has never learned to "turn the other cheek". It seems that all conflicts have a previous cause, and that previous cause has a previous cause, back into history so far that it's virtually impossible to know what "started the conflict".
Human nature is to compete and thus conflict. We have not yet learned that through peace we might actually benefit more than by perpetuating conflict. So yes, with thousands of years of history of conflict I have little hope for "peace in the middle east".
In this case, it is not impossible to know the cause - it is spelled out in black and white. You are correct, however, that conflict has existed as long as humanity, and in many ways, some seek to perpetuate conflict. Just look at U.S. politics. Those in office continually foment division in order to maintain their own power and profit. It is rather disgusting really.
A very good piece and solid apologetic biblical position. Ishmael and Isaac being half-brothers who have hated one another from the beginning is a continous extension of no peace between Israel & Arabs.
Multiple Jewish commentators, writing on Genesis 21:9 said that the "mocking" that Ishmael was doing that led to his expulsion was mocking Isaac's paternity, alleging that Isaac was not Abraham's son, but rather Avimelech's.
Humankind has never learned to "turn the other cheek". It seems that all conflicts have a previous cause, and that previous cause has a previous cause, back into history so far that it's virtually impossible to know what "started the conflict".
Human nature is to compete and thus conflict. We have not yet learned that through peace we might actually benefit more than by perpetuating conflict. So yes, with thousands of years of history of conflict I have little hope for "peace in the middle east".
In this case, it is not impossible to know the cause - it is spelled out in black and white. You are correct, however, that conflict has existed as long as humanity, and in many ways, some seek to perpetuate conflict. Just look at U.S. politics. Those in office continually foment division in order to maintain their own power and profit. It is rather disgusting really.
A very good piece and solid apologetic biblical position. Ishmael and Isaac being half-brothers who have hated one another from the beginning is a continous extension of no peace between Israel & Arabs.
Multiple Jewish commentators, writing on Genesis 21:9 said that the "mocking" that Ishmael was doing that led to his expulsion was mocking Isaac's paternity, alleging that Isaac was not Abraham's son, but rather Avimelech's.