Month: July 2026

CHRISTIANITY IN THE ARAB WORLD: the forgotten faithful

The concern is not that Christians support Israel.  We all carry nations in our hearts to whom we feel a natural spiritual closeness. The concern is that so many Christians, in their unwavering support for Israel, often stand indifferent toward the church in the region that endures more persecution than in any other place on earth.  The crisis is therefore not whom we support, but whom we neglect in our support for the other. 

By Mike July 20, 2026 Off

MOHAMED AL‑WAHIDI: when a peacemaker is killed

On 8 July 2026, just before the highly anticipated Egypt–Argentina match, Mohamed al‑Wahidi was travelling by taxi to one of the screening sites in Gaza City. Moments before kickoff, an Israeli drone strike hit the vehicle in the Sabra neighbourhood, killing al‑Wahidi and three others. From a Christian vantage point, the death of Mohamed al‑Wahidi confronts us with the painful truth that peacemakers often walk the most dangerous roads. And so we echo the ancient cry of God’s people: How long, O Lord? Not as a question of doubt, but as a prayer of longing

By Mike July 18, 2026 Off

NINETY MINUTES OF BREATHING: Gaza and the World Cup

Maybe it’s just a game to you — ninety minutes of football, the quest for yet another victory and a trophy that will soon fade from memory. But few will experience it as fiercely, as desperately, as the people of Gaza. For them, each match is ninety minutes of breathing — a brief return to normality in the midst of unrelenting hardship. Have a look how the World Cup is celebrated in Gaza

By Mike July 13, 2026 Off

GRIEVING WITH IRAN: the parable of the two painters

“Maybe it’s fake tears.” These were the words by Donald Trump in response to the mourning scenes from Iran where an estimated 50 million people gathered over 6 days to mourn the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  The comment was both unsettling and revealing.  It was the ultimate expression of insensitivity and a lack of compassion. At the same time, it forced me to ask what compassion truly looks like. The parable of the two painters provide the perfect amswer.

By Mike July 9, 2026 Off

THIRDWAY ARTICLES: AI-generated or Spirit-inspired?

I recently received a number of questions about the authenticity of the Thirdway articles and to what extent artificial intelligence (AI) is involved.  Is it machine-generated or Spirit-inspired?  To what extent can Thirdway claim that it represents a Christ perspective and not just another algorithmic computer narrative?  Is it authentic AI, or is it authentic Thirdway? Here’s the authentic answer (with a response from AI)

By Mike July 1, 2026 Off