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PrefaceforChristians 2000 A.D. Many times when I followed my husband on his travels and researches to the Land of Christ, I have met Christian men and women in services, prayer groups and private. Often I thought that we as Christians ought to meet the living Christianity in the country more than we do. Sometimes it can be too much of stones in Jerusalem and the Christians there wonder why we stop short of with that. The Christians need our care, our interest and support in a reality which is hard many times. Will there be any Christian "Living Stones" left after the year 2000?
In 1984 I wrote a book in Swedish to present the main groups among the Christians and give an account of the situation in the Land of Christ. My professor at the University of Uppsala, Sweden, asked me to investigate the ecumenical situation in Jerusalem at that time. He was especially interested in the so called Lima- document about Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry from the World Council of Churches and especially its implications in Jerusalem. For my late professor Jan Arvid Hellstrom, in the History of Churches and Congregations I wrote in 1990 my thesis "The Polarization between the Jewish and the Christian Elements in the Messianic Assemblies in Israel today."
Now when I am back in Jerusalem I have been asked to write my book "Christians 2000 A.D.," in English. With the help of Martin Bailey, who is a scholar at Tantur Ecumenical Institute, I have written my book in English so that more than Swedish speaking tourists and pilgrims can get use of it. Reverend Dr. Martin Bailey is also working with the Middle East Council of Churches. I want to express my warmest gratitude for his help with the language but also for his suggestions as he has a deep understanding of the Christians in different churches and denominations throughout the world.
I also want to thank everybody who has given me their time for interviews . . . . I have tried to write my book on two levels:1. Church History 2. What I myself can see and experience e.g. through interviews
I want to show that the Christians in this country have a long history, starting with the Apostles. There are still Christians living here after 2,000 years. I want to introduce my readers to women and men in the Land of Christ, the "Living stones." The churches are not only beautiful museum pieces but built of "Living stones," you can visit, get to know, love, pray and care for.God bless you all! Maria Thordson Jerusalem, January 6, 1996 
"Endorsements: Christians 2000 A.D." |
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