Monday 20 December 2010

Just What was Behind the Stabbing of Two Women?

All of Israel is buzzing with the news of two women who were stabbed while hiking near Beit Shemesh. Who and Why are the biggest questions. I found an article from Israel Insider on the incident--part is quoted below. Do go to their site for the entire story...

An American tourist killed in a forest outside Jerusalem was employed by an evangelical missionary cult (CMJ) that promotes Christianity with the primary purpose of converting Jews. Kristine Luken, in her mid-40s, was stabbed to death in mysterious circumstances Saturday while hiking with a "messianic" female friend, Kaye Susan Wilson, a tour guide for the missionary organization. 

The website of CMJ claims their goal is:
'To encourage Jewish people to come to faith in Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah, to support them in serving him as Lord in the light of God's purpose for them, and to equip the church to be involved in this mission.'

Missionary activity aimed at converting Jews to Christianity is illegal in Israel. The organization this woman worked for makes no secret of their intentions. 

So, why were they attacked? We may never know. Did they try to "share" their beliefs with the two men? It would certainly explain the attack. While Jewish laws are somewhat slack when it comes to missionaries the Arab world has no regard for any laws, or life.

Now, the press is questioning all aspects of the attack, but another question arises. How is it that someone who was actively involved in stealing Jewish souls is allowed to live in Israel? And when the second victim recovers, then what? Will she be allowed to continue her messianic work in Israel? We are supposed to be a Jewish state, and while I am all for allowing everyone to visit sites holy to their beliefs I feel very strongly that missionaries should be reined in.

Make no mistake--the attack on these women is tragic and inexcusable and I along with all people in Israel and around the world pray those responsible are found quickly. Tragically, it will not restore the life of Kristine Luken.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

She was an Episcopalian and worked for an Episcopalian organization. I never knew they were considered a cult group...

Orfan said...

To Anonymous:
I know nothing of this group, I merely quoted from Israel Insider. You can follow the link in the post to their website.

Miriam Woelke said...

B"H

Even the left - wing Israeli daily "Yediot Acharonot" published in today's edition that both women came to Israel in order to missionize Jews !

Isak BK Aasvestad said...

"Missionary activity aimed at converting Jews to Christianity is illegal in Israel."

This is not correct. Proselytising is legal under Israeli law. It is only illegal when the missionaries seek to entice minors.

Orfan said...

Isak: Thanks for the clarification. I recommend Yad L'Achim website for anyone interesteed in the topic of missionizing:
http://www.yadlachimusa.org.il/
They do amazing work.

Israel, Jerusalem, Judaism, Zionism, Middle East, Aliyah, Conversion, and everything else that pops up