Author Archives: wallwritings

Unknown's avatar

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.

Livni Warns Israel It Faces A Worldwide Boycott

by James M. Wall Justice Minister Tzipi Livni is the Israeli cabinet minister with the task of finding a way back to peace talks. At the moment, she is one more frustrated negotiator. Livni was so frustrated that she kicked … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics | 10 Comments

“One Day Ramallah Will Rise Up”

by James M. Wall “One Day Ramallah Will Rise Up” is the title of a current column by the provocative Ha’aretz writer, Gideon Levy. During this same week, Uri Avnery, another Israeli provocateur, entitled his Gush Shalom column, “The Human Spring”. … Continue reading

Posted in -Movies and politics, Human Rights, Middle East Politics, The Human Condition | 8 Comments

Kerry Undertakes One Last Anti-War Mission

by James M. Wall John Kerry is back in Washington after his fifth official trip to the Middle East. He is already planning his return to the region. Despite the lack of any visible signs of success, the U.S. Secretary … Continue reading

Posted in John Kerry, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu | 9 Comments

“Poor George, he can’t help it . . .”

by James M. Wall “Poor George, he can’t help it — he was born with a silver foot in his mouth.” This memorable line from future Texas Governor Ann Richards was aimed at soon-to-be President George H. W. Bush. It … Continue reading

Posted in Human Rights, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Politics and Elections | 4 Comments

Clinton and Netanyahu Not Good for Obama

by James M. Wall With friends like former President Bill Clinton and current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, what is a fellow like President Obama to do? As a start, he could get a few second opinions. President Obama is … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics, Netanyahu, Obama, Politics and Elections | 4 Comments

Kerry Delays Orwellian Trip to Middle East

by James M. Wall Secretary of State John Kerry has delayed his fifth “peace process” trip to Israel/Palestine. The Secretary will remain in Washington to attend strategy sessions on Syria. The delay in starting his fifth trip should give Kerry time … Continue reading

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

Have Church/State Leaders Endorsed Injustice?

by James M. Wall The two political leaders pictured here are U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (left) and Middle East Quartet Representative and former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair. The two men are walking next to a wall at the … Continue reading

Posted in Episcopal Church, Middle East Politics, Presbyterian Church, The Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church | 12 Comments

Why Gitmo Was Not Closed from the Get-Go

by James M. Wall On the morning of May 23, 2013, our still young, but now greying, President Obama delivered what he hoped would be “a change speech”. The speech was delivered to National Defense University, at Fort McNair in Washington DC. Reuters began … Continue reading

Posted in Obama | 6 Comments

Ten Years After US Invades Iraq, Israel Eager to Take the US Into Round Two

By James M. Wall Ten years after the US invaded Iraq in 2003, another Middle East war looms large between the West and Muslim states. Signs point to the strong possibility that Israel, and its US Zionist supporters, remain determined, … Continue reading

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

Hawking Stuns Israel With Conference Boycott

by James M. Wall University of Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking stunned Israel last week with his announcement that he would boycott the fifth annual Israeli Presidential Conference, scheduled to be held in Jerusalem, June 18-20. Hawking was responding to an incongruity: … Continue reading

Posted in Human Rights, Middle East Politics | 8 Comments