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On February 2, 2025 at 3:00pm Sean Tomlinson will share a presentation on Israel/Palestine and the War in Gaza.
I believe that one of the most important aspects of being your Associate Pastor of Discipleship is to offer opportunities to study, examine and reflect on how the impact of what is happening in our world intersects with our spiritual discernment and growth. When Pastor Lynn told me about a conversation with Sean Tomlinson and his area of proficiency, I felt that we had come upon a unique opportunity to engage with what is one of the most challenging aspects in our current political and religious world.
Sean has the unique expertise to share not only his research but also his personal experience as he provides an exploration of the history of the Israel/’Palestine conflict and the roots of the current war in Gaza. Sean served in the Army for nine years with time in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a PhD candidate and Middle East historian he has taught this subject at the University of Arizona. In addition to his vast experience, Sean also views his experience and the history of the region through the lens of his own personal Christian faith.
Sean believes that the best way to understand what has and is happening in Israel and Palestine is to hear the stories of the diverse individuals and families from this region. He will not be presenting a right or wrong scenario but one of varied viewpoints. These viewpoints will look at the same situations and elaborate on how they impact individuals from a wide perspective of faith traditions, economic status, and cultural identify. It is by listening to differing vantage points that Sean believes we might better understand and perhaps be able to identify with the conflict that has historically been so much a part of the Israel and Palestine cultures.
I hope you will join us for this explorative, informative and perhaps even challenging presentation.
Blessings,
Rev. Deborah Christine
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