“The People of Aram Shall Go into Exile”: Practical and Theological Dilemmas of Middle Eastern Churches since the Beginning of the Syrian War

Authors

Wilbert van Saane, Haigazian University

Abstract

This paper discusses the way in which Christian churches in the Middle East have responded to the Syrian War. It signals some practical and theological dilemmas that these churches have faced since the conflict in Syria broke out. The description of these dilemmas is primarily based on interviews with a representative sample of church leaders. Analysis of these dilemmas sheds light on the way the churches of the Middle East have contributed to peaceful resolutions of the Syrian conflict, or failed to do so. Before going into the practical and theological dilemmas of the churches, the article provides a short sketch of the socio-political situation in Syria prior to the war. It also offers a brief overview of the war and the way it has impacted the Christian communities in the region.

Recommended Citation

van Saane, Wilbert (2019) "“The People of Aram Shall Go into Exile”: Practical and Theological Dilemmas of Middle Eastern Churches since the Beginning of the Syrian War," The Journal of Social Encounters: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, 21-31.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/social_encounters/vol3/iss1/5