Israel, Zionism and the historical accuracy of the Bible

[disciple]

What's your opinion on Zionism and Israel, in the context of the historical accuracy of the Bible. I'd especially like to get the opinion of people who don't believe in the historical accuracy of the Bible or the Tanach respectively.

[Shermana]

There is plenty of evidence to suggest a Jewish kingdom existed in the land that was known as "Palestine" (which was named by the Romans to insult those who lived there, which indicates that they acknowledged the people living there were at war with the Philistines earlier) and that it was called "Israel" and was comprised of people known as "Jews", and we know that the city of Jerusalem almost always had a Jewish majority for most of its history since, and we know that the Arabs did not become a major presence in the land until many centuries afterward. Thus, regardless of the Bible and Tanakh, we know from multiple sources that the land in question was in fact occupied by "Jews" for quite a long time, never really left the area altogether (although were often expelled, massacred, and prevented from returning), and had to deal with one conqueror after another but never ultimately were devoid in the land.

Now politically, considering that Jordan used to be part of this "Palestine" and was only granted independence as "Trans-Jordan" under the Hashemite Monarchy in the 1920s, its fair to conclude that the land claimed by "Palestinians" should be the sparsely populated, resource-rich land of Jordan, and the Western part of the Mandate that even the Turks acknowledged was the Jews' land, should go to the Jews (Which includes the land historically called "Judea-Samaria").

[disciple]

Originally Posted by Shermana

There is plenty of evidence to suggest a Jewish kingdom existed in the land that was known as "Palestine" (which was named by the Romans to insult those who lived there, which indicates that they acknowledged the people living there were at war with the Philistines earlier) and that it was called "Israel" and was comprised of people known as "Jews", and we know that the city of Jerusalem almost always had a Jewish majority for most of its history since, and we know that the Arabs did not become a major presence in the land until many centuries afterward. Thus, regardless of the Bible and Tanakh, we know from multiple sources that the land in question was in fact occupied by "Jews" for quite a long time, never really left the area altogether (although were often expelled, massacred, and prevented from returning), and had to deal with one conqueror after another but never ultimately were devoid in the land.

This is probably a topic for another thread.

In any case, you present a convincing argument.

[dyanaprajna2011]

Owning land has gone from a religious ideal to a political ideal. No, I do not really accept the historical accuracy of the Bible. Yes, I believe that the Jews did occupy that land for quite some time. Yes, I believe they have a right to be there now. And, Yes, I also believe that Palestine has an equal right to exist. Remember, for several decades before WWII, Britain owned most of that land, then called Trans-Jordan. After WWII, they divided it up. The Arabs in the land prior to Britain making room for the Jews to go back, had been there for centuries. It's the only home most of them had known for generations. So, to say they can't stay, is equally as wrong as saying the Jews can't be there, regardless of religious claims to the land. It's not a religious question anymore, it's a political one.

[JamieAuthor]

The term 'Jew' (Hebrew Yehudi) comes from the people of Judea, a tiny kingdom that existed south of the ancient Kingdom of Israel from around 900BC to its conquest and final distruction and exile of its people by Nebuchanezzar in 589BC. Some returned in 539BC but most stayed in Babylon (whee the Talmud was written) and Egypt. Under the Romans the province was known as Judea until the Simon Bar Kotchba revolt of 132 AD after which Jerusalem was levelled, the province was renamed 'Palestina' as you say after the Palestinians/Philestines (same word in Hebrew and Arabic)and Jews were banned from Jerusalem only (until the Arab conquest). The rest probably stayed there and over the years converted to Christainity or Islam and are now called Palestinians. Diaspora Jews continued to prosper for many years after the destruction of Jerusalem until Christianity was adopted by theRomans in 313AD

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by SKKF

What's your opinion on Zionism and Israel, in the context of the historical accuracy of the Bible. I'd especially like to get the opinion of people who don't believe in the historical accuracy of the Bible or the Tanach respectively.

Of course you would.

[disciple]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker Soule

Of course you would.

Lol why do you think that?

[JacobEzra]

Originally Posted by SKKF

What's your opinion on Zionism and Israel, in the context of the historical accuracy of the Bible. I'd especially like to get the opinion of people who don't believe in the historical accuracy of the Bible or the Tanach respectively.

I believe there is some historical accuracy. For instance, there is archaeological evidence of the Jewish people residing there.

Zionism is very inspirational and I enjoy reading the history of the movement, how it came to be and what it resulted in. One people finding their way to a home.

As for Israel, I think the military occupation of the territories needs to be solved. And both sides need to get over the past.

[Caladan]

Originally Posted by SKKF

What's your opinion on Zionism and Israel, in the context of the historical accuracy of the Bible. I'd especially like to get the opinion of people who don't believe in the historical accuracy of the Bible or the Tanach respectively.

What is the connection between the historical accuracy of the Bible, Zionism, and modern Israel?
Do Greeks place no importance on their Parthenon in Athens and their numerous heritage sites because there are inaccuracies in Herodotus' historical writings?

[disciple]

Lol anyone else have something to contribute?