Social and Political Context

Christianity has long been on the demographic decline in the Middle East, and the disproportionate impact of recent political conflicts and violence on Christians and their subsequent emigration in large numbers have many concerned about the possible extinction of this faith in its historic birthplace. Sectarianism, ideological polarization, and militarization are all escalating. The welfare of Middle Eastern Christians is often forgotten in larger geopolitical conflicts such as those between Arab states and Israel, the US and Russia, and Sunni vs. Shia Islam. Both historically and today, Christian minorities have chosen among three political options: withdrawal through either martyrdom or exile, (armed) resistance and establishment of self-governing territories, and proactively peaceful participation in government and society. Perhaps the best political option for Christians is to ally themselves with moderate Muslims against sectarian and jihadist Islam.