A pastor on CNN tried to link the “Christmas story” to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, sparking a backlash on social media.
On Monday Christmas morning, Father Edward Beck was asked about the “pain and suffering” that occurs around the world during the holiday season and to address those who feel “despair.”
“I think the message of Christmas is that God is in it with us and we are not alone in it,” Beck replied. “What surprised me the most was that the Christmas story was about a Palestinian Jew – how often do you find those words combined? A Palestinian Jew who was born during the colonial era, right? They couldn’t find a place for her to give birth, her mother. They have no place to live. They eventually had to flee as refugees to Egypt, no less. I mean, you can’t draw parallels with our current world situation.”
He continued, “And in some ways, that’s what we believe God was born into that situation, and yet, that man, Jesus, said love one another, love your enemies. There is hope. There is light in the darkness. I proved that. So somehow God entered into that experience of suffering and struggle and was actually born into it. That’s what’s so magical about this festival for me.”
Beck was asked about the “pain and suffering” that occurs around the world during the holiday season and to address those who feel “despair.” AFP via Getty Images
Critics slammed the CNN guest on social media, denouncing the “incorrect” history of Jesus Christ.
“This is shamefully wrong,” New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz responded.
“Because you know how in Matthew 15:24 Jesus said ‘I was not sent but to the lost sheep of Israel,’ by Israel Jesus meant Palestine. Father Beck should stop watching Al-Jazeera and start reading the New Testament,” fellow Defense of Democracy Foundation researcher Hussain Abdul-Hussain swiped at the Roman Catholic priest.
Because you know how in Matthew 15:24 Jesus said “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of Israel,” by Israel Jesus means Palestine. Father Beck needs to stop watching Al-Jazeera and start reading the New Testament. https://t.co/BOl2xUdw7d
— Hussain Abdul-Hussain (@hahassain) December 25, 2023
“How is it possible that the press itself is not really in touch with the people? Put a comment like this” conservative radio host Erick Erickson said. “Palestine was not a creation of the Roman Empire at the time of Christ’s birth. Pushing a political agenda like this, using Christ, reflects badly on the network.
“The war on Christmas is even more dangerous this year courtesy of CNN,” wrote GOP strategist Steve Guest.
“Merry Christmas from CNN,” Versus Media Podcast host Stephen L. Miller quipped.
Palestinians line up to receive some food at a temporary charity kitchen in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Monday, December 25, 2023. Ismael Mohamad/UPI/Shutterstock
Beck defends his stance on X, sharing a Britannica article called “Palestinian Jews in the time of Jesus” and sharing a quote from another link that reads “recalling that the name ‘Palestine’ has long referred to Muslims, Jews, and other peoples living in the that world for generations.”
But that didn’t quell the uproar over his comments.
“We all heard you on CNN today, claiming that Jesus was a Palestinian Jew, and comparing his plight to the Palestinians of today who had to ‘flee into Egypt.’ Shame on you for inciting hatred reminiscent of blood libel,” Samwawal Foundation founder Avi Kaner told Beck.
Beck replied, “Sorry you heard what you wanted to hear. But my message is one of unity and solidarity—with both Israel, and with the suffering Palestinians. The more we highlight our differences, the less love there will be in the world.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
