Author Archives: wallwritings

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About wallwritings

From 1972 through 1999, James M. Wall was editor and publisher of the Christian Century magazine, based in Chicago, lllinois. He was a Contributing Editor of the Century from 1999 until July, 2017. He has written this blog, wall writings.me, since it was launched April 27, 2008. If you would like to receive Wall Writings alerts when new postings are added to this site, send a note, saying, Please Add Me, to jameswall8@gmail.com Biography: Journalism was Jim's undergraduate college major at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He has earned two MA degrees, one from Emory, and one from the University of Chicago, both in religion. He is an ordained United Methodist clergy person. He served for two years in the US Air Force, and three additional years in the USAF reserve. While serving on active duty with the Alaskan Command, he reached the rank of first lieutenant. He has worked as a sports writer for both the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, was editor of the United Methodist magazine, Christian Advocate for ten years, and editor and publisher of the Christian Century magazine for 27 years. James M Wall died March 22, 2021 at age 92. His family appreciates all of his readers, even those who may have disagreed with his well-informed writings.

Hamas Cease Fire Terms Could Lead to “Normalcy”

Late Friday night, the House of Representatives took up a Senate bill that would allocate $225 million in additional funds to Israel’s “Iron Dome.” The bill passed 395-8 without any debate. Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, War | 5 Comments

Israeli Officer Missing; 70 More Palestinians Die

by James M. Wall The situation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza at mid-afternoon Friday (U.S. CST; 11 p.m Gaza time), is both chaotic and horrifying.  This posting will be updated as further reports become available. Amy Goodman’s … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics, War | 6 Comments

Israel “Defends” Itself By “Mowing the Grass”

By James M. Wall Once every two years or so, depending on the U.S. and Israeli strategic and political calendars, Israel, the fourth largest military power in the world, descends on Gaza to “mow the grass”. That obscene phrase, used … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama, Presbyterian Church USA, Religious Faith | 6 Comments

Palestinian Children Have No Iron Dome

http://bit.ly/1kMpBVa Continue reading

Posted in Human Rights, Media, Middle East Politics, Soccer, Television, USA, War | 8 Comments

Israel Destroys Gaza Home for Handicapped

by James M. Wall On the sixth day of its asymmetrical war against Gaza, Israel destroyed a home for the handicapped in Beit Lahiya, killing two handicapped residents, and wounding three others, including the caretaker. The destruction of the home came on an early Saturday … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama, War | 6 Comments

Palestinian Boy Burned to Death

by James M. Wall The headline for Jodi Rudoren’s July 5 New York Times story captures the ugly report in all of its appalling harshness. “Autopsy Suggests Palestinian Teenager Was Burned to Death After Abduction” The picture at right, from the New York … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics, Presbyterian Church USA, United Methodist Church | 9 Comments

“When First We Practice to Deceive”

by James M. Wall “Oh what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive.” These words from Sir Walter Scott (1808) describe the political template of the modern state of Israel. Israel is a nation built on … Continue reading

Posted in Human Rights, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, United Nations | 8 Comments

PCUSA Divests from Occupation Support Firms

by James M. Wall Ten years after the start of their divestment campaign against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and people, the Presbyterian Church (USA) anti-occupation forces have finally removed that denomination’s funds from the occupation. In their 221st biennial General Assembly Friday, … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Presbyterian Church, Religious Faith | 14 Comments

PCUSA Tries Again to Divest From Occupation

by James M. Wall The Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) is holding its biennial national General Assembly this week in Detroit, Michigan (June 14-21). A number of overtures (resolutions) will be debated and voted on during the Assembly by 654 commissioners (elected representatives). One overture … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Presbyterian Church USA, United Methodist Church | 7 Comments

The Demonization of an American Soldier

by James M. Wall My experience as a member of the U.S. armed services was a long time ago.  It was also far removed from a battlefield. I was an Air Force public information officer during the Korean War. I … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in John Kerry, Obama, Politics and Elections, The Human Condition, War | 12 Comments