The Bible and Zionism: Invented Traditions, Archaeology and Post-Colonialism in Palestine-Israel - Paperback

by Nur Masalha (Author)

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.

Author Biography

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).
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).