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.

A Civil Exchange With the NY Times On The IDF and Tom Friedman

By James M. Wall       This blog has received more immediate reaction to Is Thomas Friedman a Positive Voice for Peace? You Decide, than any other posting I have written since Wall Writings was launched in April, 2008. … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East Politics | 10 Comments

Is Tom Friedman a “Positive Voice” for Peace? You Decide

by James M. Wall Thomas Friedman is the Pulitzer Prize winning foreign correspondent and columnist for the New York Times. So what, in the name of all that is sacred in media land, are we to make of this news item … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East Politics | 7 Comments

Hard Right Zionists Try to “Freeman” Peace Activist Mary Robinson

+++++++++++++++ FRIDAY UPDATE: The ceremony proceeded at the White House Wednesday without any interference.  Mary Robinson was one of 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Honor. The effort to “Freeman” Robinson, failed.  Read here what President Obama said … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East Politics | 10 Comments

Bibi Told Mossad, “Kill Khalid”; Now Khalid is Key to Israel’s Future

by James M. Wall     Twelve years after he survived Bibi Netanhayu’s attempt to assassinate him, Khalid Mishal, the head of the Hamas political bureau, holds meetings with Jimmy Carter, and gives interviews to the Wall Street Journal. Khalid … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East, Middle East Politics | 6 Comments

Bush Blessed Israel’s Assault on Gaza But the Aftermath Belongs to Obama

by James M. Wall Raise your hand if  you still believe Israel’s claim that its 23-day assault on Gaza was a necessary retaliation against Hamas for breaking a cease fire. Ok, put your hand down and listen up. Consider the … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East, Middle East Politics | 4 Comments

After 31 Years Jack Shaheen Still Helps Us See “Reel Bad Arabs”

By James M. Wall My first encounter with Jack G. Shaheen came in the summer of 1978. He was a professor of communications at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. I was the editor of the Christian Century magazine in Chicago, Illinois. … Continue reading

Posted in -Movies and politics, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Movies | 4 Comments

Carter and the Elders Challenge “Injustice Wherever We See It”

See Update Below by James M. Wall     Jimmy Carter is always busy, scurrying around below the line of public attention, doing what he does best, making a difference. His friends, and they are many, are always glad to … Continue reading

Posted in Religion and politics, Religious Faith | 6 Comments

A Man Kills His Parents and Begs for Mercy Because He Is an Orphan

By James M. Wall     Since its creation in 1948, the modern state of Israel has steadily stolen Palestinian land and driven Palestinians from their homes, cities and villages. Nothing has been done to halt Israel’s steady march to … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics | 6 Comments

The Thieves Pause: Israel “Open” to Summer Building Freeze

by James M. Wall                 “Israel Open to Settlement Freeze” was the New York Times headline over Ethan Bronner’s latest report from Jerusalem. How generous. The occupiers who stole all that Palestinian West … Continue reading

Posted in Media, Middle East | 4 Comments

Bibi Uses “Recognition Plus” to Defy Obama and Block Peace Plan

by James M. Wall       Israel never misses a chance to create a new road block for peace. The latest? Recognition Plus. Of course, Bibi Netanyahu could not put this latest road block over on the U.S. public … Continue reading

Posted in Middle East Politics | 7 Comments