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.

Israel Linked to Dubai Murder: Take That, Judge Goldstone

by James M. Wall Dubai’s The National, reported on February 17: Interpol has issued red notices for the 11 suspects in the murder of the senior Hamas leader, Mahmoud al Mabhouh, on January 19, with Dubai’s police chief confirming that the … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East Politics | 3 Comments

The Case of Israel Versus the Ma’man Allah Cemetery

by James M. Wall The Ma’man Allah cemetery is located within the grounds of West Jerusalem’s Independence Park. The cemetery is of ancient vintage. It dates back to at least the 12th century. There are some archeologists who believe it … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics | 7 Comments

Zionism’s “Cold Logic and Deep Passion” Blocks Obama

by James M. Wall The politics of Hope smashed into the Iron Wall that Israel continues to build to enclose Zionism in its own security blanket. What happened when the Politics of Hope hit the Iron Wall of security? Settler … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics | 15 Comments

54 House Members Risk Their Careers to Support Gaza

by James M. Wall Fifty-four members of the US House of Representatives have sent a letter to President Obama urging him “to use diplomatic pressure to resolve the blockade affecting Gaza.” Initially drafted by Democrats Keith Ellison, Minnesota, and Jim … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Politics and Elections | 10 Comments

Mitchell Faces the “Intractable”: Time to Call In Henry Siegman

by James M. Wall President Obama sent George Mitchell on another mission to the Middle East this past weekend. After meeting with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Mitchell found that nothing has changed. One full year on the job, and … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East | 14 Comments

The Photo Op That Failed; Israel Forced to Apologize to Turkey

by James M. Wall This story begins with several fictional Turkish television dramas that had critical things to say about Israel. It ends with an apology from Israel for its overreaction to that criticism. In one episode of the Turkish … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics | 2 Comments

Helen Thomas Rides Again; She Wants to Know, WHY Terrorism?

by James M. Wall The scene is from  John Ford’s 1962 film, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The time: the early American West, The editor of the Shinbow Star follows Senator Ransom Stoddard (played by Jimmy Stewart), and his wife … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East Politics | 12 Comments

A Teachable Moment: Linking AVATAR To Gaza and Af-Pak

by James M. Wall At a special morning New Year’s Eve screening in Hawaii, President Obama took his family to the mall to see the new 3-D movie, Avatar. Whose idea was that? Did the leader of the Free World realize … Continue reading

Posted in -Movies and politics | 13 Comments

“Heute Morgen ist Ron Holloway Gestorben” 1933-2009

by James M. Wall   The email brought the sad news: “Heute morgen ist Ron Holloway gestorben”. Even without my limited grad school German, the news was clear, “Ron Holloway died this morning”. Ron, friend to all, mentor and teacher … Continue reading

Posted in -Movies and Religion | 5 Comments

Obama Tries to Earn His Peace Prize While Waging Three Wars

by James M. Wall Can a wartime president earn his Nobel peace prize while waging three wars at the same time? Accepting a peace prize while ordering even more troops into battle was an audacious act. It was certainly in … Continue reading

Posted in Religion and politics | 8 Comments