Book: Conquest or Leaven by David Neuhaus SJ

David Neuhaus SJ's Conquest or Leaven is a deeply personal and challenging reflection on Christianity, Palestine/Israel, and the role of the Catholic Church in a land scored by conflict. Not an easy read, situated as it is within an ongoing genocide, it is made warm and engaging by Neuhaus's style featuring lots of personal anecdotes and biography. The heart of the book, however, is a penetrating analysis of the social, political and religious factors that have led to the complex, fraught and unjust Palestine/Israel situation. Neuhaus is a master of nuance; there is no simplistic, superficial analysis here but rather a 'deep dive' into subtlety, complexity and context. The real power of the book is the broader view he brings, getting behind the stereotypes and ideologies, to give us a well-researched, considered and personal analysis.

His singularly unique vantage point is Neuhaus's greatest strength: his Jewish background, upbringing in South Africa, migration to Israel at 15, conversion to Catholicism, entering the Jesuits, training in biblical scholarship, and years of experience in Jerusalem, all contribute to a perspective that is incarnate rather than ideological. This facilitates his systematic dismantlement of the Israeli Zionist ideology, critically examining their claims on the land and their biblical interpretation, the historical context, and the key distinction between antisemitism and critique of Zionism. It's all in the cause of stopping the violence, which is hard to argue with. This is the Catholic perspective that he brings, a compassionate stance, aimed at promoting equality, justice and peace in the Holy Land. As he points out, this was a past reality, Arabs and Jews peacefully co-existing, not some idealistic dream.

The title captures Neuhaus's central thesis: is there an alternative to the all-too-common logic of conquest and power, or is the Christian invitation to become leaven, a biblical image, a possible source of transformation and healing? As a 'participant-observer' within that context, Neuhaus argues that Christians can make a contribution to solving the conflict, which involves accompanying those who are suffering, challenging the injustice, and working for reconciliation from within.

The book is particularly valuable for its Catholic and Ignatian perspective. Neuhaus roots the political analysis in concrete human encounters, personal stories of relationship and transformation. This invites the reader to listen and reflect, to similarly discern where God is at work, and respond with courage and compassion. In this sense it is a 'workbook' of understanding and engagement with a volatile and unfolding international context. As a series of essays addressing the same issue from different angles, there is some level of repetition in the book, my only criticism.

The book is strongly critical of structures that have exacerbated Palestinian suffering, and Neuhaus is taking a strong stance in favour of the oppressed. Readers who hold different political perspectives may struggle with some of Neuhaus's conclusions, but it is hard to argue with the depth of his analysis. However, as a Jesuit the book's deeper purpose is to ask what is a specifically Christian contribution in this divided and wounded land. This book provides an essential background: the complexities involved, the various religious, political and cultural factors in play, and a possible way out of this seemingly intractable cycle of violence. There is hope.

LINKS

Conquest or Leaven: https://conquestorleaven.org/

Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Conquest-Leaven-Reflections-Catholic-Palestine/dp/1626987025

See an interview with Fr Neuhaus by Robert Ellsberg from Orbis Books: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbEstiqbQpY&t=19s