There is no more salient, no more pressing global event right now for the Church to engage than what is happening currently in Gaza. Gaza presents not just a lightning rod for conversation (or controversy), but also serves as a moral compass for all humankind. The global Church is wrestling with questions like, "is Israel justified in their offensive?" "how do we understand the theology and politics in play?" and "are we watching a genocide unfold before our eyes?" To help us understand the broader history and context around Gaza, we've invited Dr. Ben Norquist from Churches for Middle East Peace to the show. He sits down with Brandon Stiver to discuss all things surrounding the conflict and most importantly the decades leading up to what we see in 2025. Join us in this conversation and join us in praying and acting for peace.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

Join more than 2,000 ministry leaders at CAFO2025 in Houston, Texas from October 1-3, hosted by the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Take the free Core Elements Self-Assessment from the CAFO Research Center and tap into online courses with discount code 'TGDJ25'

Take the Free Core Elements Self-Assessment

Resources and Links from the show

Churches for Middle East Peace Online

Church at the Crossroads Conference Information

Christ in the Rubble by Munther Isaac

UN Definitions of Genocide and Related Crimes

Conversation Notes

The difference between a 'thin' Gospel and a 'thick' Gospel
Growing up in evangelicalism and what that means for supporting modern day Israel
Understanding the historical context of Gaza
What is the Nakba?
What were the Intafadas?
How the Balfour Declaration laid a framework for the land that continues to reverberate over a hundred years later
Comparing the current conflict and humanitarian crisis to the UN definition of genocide

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Understanding the History Behind Gaza with Dr. Ben Norquist