January 27, 2022
By Rabih Hasbany “Aqbalak!” Single people in Lebanon probably hear this expression every time they attend a wedding. It means “we hope that you will marry soon.” As a single man, I have heard it so many times, and I’m really tired of it. But rather than getting frustrated I’d […]
January 20, 2022
By Bassem Melki You might have read this title and wondered if there is really something called “divinating”. Keep reading! Every New Year’s Eve it is common for Lebanese TV stations to feature programs involving certain individuals with the “gift” of foreseeing the future. They excite viewers with predictions about […]
January 13, 2022
By Loulwa El Maalouf Sometimes we hope that change will come quickly and drastically, but most times, change comes slowly and in small increments. Many people wonder what it looks like to be living in Lebanon these days. Before we compare Lebanon now to Lebanon pre-2019, let’s keep in mind […]
January 6, 2022
By Walid Zailaa “I’m ashamed of my country Lebanon.” This was my first thought in 2022. Born and raised in Lebanon, I always felt proud of being Lebanese, the land of the cedars. I am, nevertheless, feeling these days ashamed of my country. I’m not even willing to describe what […]
December 30, 2021
Kees van der Knijff Last week, we celebrated Christmas. As a number of my ABTS colleagues shared, the celebration of Christmas is a highlight of the Christian year and raises all kinds of beautiful feelings and thoughts. In essence, what we celebrate at Christmas is the Incarnation: the unheard-of, unthinkable, […]
December 23, 2021
The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary wishes you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! May the following reflections by members of our community bless you this season Elie Haddad, President At Christmastime, I love to reflect, not only on why Jesus came to earth, but also on who He […]
December 16, 2021
by Grace Al-Zoughbi I am an Arab woman, a Palestinian (born and raised in Bethlehem), a Christian, and a Protestant with a heart not only for the Middle East but also for ecclesial diversity. My research on the role of Arab women in theological education has opened up a plethora […]
December 9, 2021
By Brent Hamoud It’s nice to go to Bethlehem this time of year as starry imaginations lead us to the site of the first Christmas. Popular depictions of the Nativity story invariably include scenes of a pregnant young lady and her anxious husband searching for a resting place among crowded […]