Charles Selengut

Our Promised Land: Faith and Militant Zionism in Israeli Settlements Charles Selengut

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.; Our Promised Land takes readers inside radical Israeli settlements to explore how these settlements were formed, what the people in them believe, and their role in Israel and the Middle East today. Drawing on three years of research in these settlements, Our Promised Land offers an in-depth exploration of a topic that is often mentioned in headlines but little understood. Attempting to take a neutral perspective on a contentious topic, the book offers an overview of settlements in Israeli past and present, filled with the voices and stories of people who live there--Provided by publisher. Brief Description: "Our Promised Land takes readers inside radical Israeli settlements to explore how these settlements were formed, what the people in them believe, and their role in Israel and the Middle East today. Drawing on three years of research in these settlements, Our Promised Land offers an in-depth exploration of a topic that is often mentioned in headlines but little understood. Attempting to take a neutral perspective on a contentious topic, the book offers an overview of settlements in Israeli past and present, filled with the voices and stories of people who live there"--Provided by publisher. Review Quotes: Charles Selengut has turned his attention to the religious Zionist fundamentalist settlers who have made claims on what they view as their Divinely promised Land of Israel and put their views and actions under his careful sociological lens. The result is a fascinating and highly informed account of these people whose beliefs and activities are rattling the Middle East.--Samuel Heilman, distinguished professor of sociology, Harold M. Proshansky Chair of Jewish Studies, CUNY Queens College and The Graduate Center"Review Quotes: Our Promised Land is a must-read for experts in the field, yet it is also accessible and will be deeply educational to the millions with a stake in the issues discussed. Due to the near perfect combination of strengths Selengut brings to the task, this comprehensive and courageous book sheds light, grows understanding, and brings us further down the path to human betterment.--Frank Kaufmann, international director, Inter-Religious Federation for World PeaceBiographical Note: Charles Selengut is professor of sociology at Morris College and a former professor of religion at Drew University. He is the author of several books, including Sacred Fury: Understanding Religious Violence. Review Quotes: This interesting and engaging book brings us inside the world and the world view of the militant Zionist settlers who see Palestinian territories as Jewish sacred land. It should be required reading for anyone concerned about the rise of religious activism around the world and about the prospects for peace in the Middle East.--Mark Juergensmeyer, University of California, Santa Barbara; author of Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious ViolenceTable of Contents: Introduction 1. The Rise of the Settlements 2. From Zionism to Messianic Nationalism 3. Faith, Culture, and Community Life 4. Inside The Settlements: Portraits, Conversations, and Experiences 5. Judaism, Religious Nationalism, and the Middle East Conflict A Note on Research Methods Notes Glossary Key Figures About the AuthorPublisher Marketing: Our Promised Land takes readers inside radical Israeli settlements to explore how they were formed, what the people in them believe, and their role in the Middle East today. Charles Selengut analyzes the emergence of the radical Israeli Messianic Zionist movement, which advocates Jewish settlement and sovereignty over the whole of biblical Israel as a religious obligation and as the means of world transformation. The movement has established scores of controversial settlements throughout the contested West Bank, bringing more than 300,000 Jews to the area. Messianic Zionism is a fundamentalist movement but wields considerable political power. Our Promised Land, which draws on years of research and interviews in these settlements, offers an intimate and nuanced look at Messianic Zionism, life in the settlements, connections with the worldwide Christian community, and the impact on the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Selengut offers an in-depth exploration of a topic that is often mentioned in the headlines but little understood." Review Citations:

Booklist 06/01/2015 pg. 12 (EAN 9781442216853, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Booklist 06/01/2015 pg. 12 (EAN 9781442216877, Open Ebook) - *Starred Review

Contributor Bio:  Selengut, Charles Selengut is an expert on the sociology, psychology, and politics of religious fundamentalism and new religious movements. He is professor of sociology at County College of Morris in Randolph, N. J.