The belief that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and the assault on Palestinian civilians are divinely ordained is rooted in a powerful narrative of religious and historical indoctrination. This narrative, propagated over centuries, has deeply shaped the worldview of many people, including those who are otherwise educated and rational. At its core, the idea that the land of Israel is divinely promised to the Jewish people is grounded in religious texts, particularly the Bible, which has been interpreted to justify modern political actions.
The indoctrination around this belief system is complex. For many Christians and Jews, the story of Abraham being promised the land by God has been passed down as an unquestionable truth. However, when examined critically, it becomes clear that Abraham himself was a migrant, originating from Ur in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), far from the lands now claimed by Israel. The notion of divine entitlement to a specific geographic territory, based on religious texts, seems inconsistent with the global realities of migration and the shared histories of different peoples.
What is striking is how this narrative has been so effectively perpetuated, even among well-educated individuals who otherwise apply reason and logic to other aspects of their lives. The idea of “God’s chosen people” and the “promised land” has been ingrained through religious teaching, colonial history, and modern political support, especially in the West. This has created a deeply emotional attachment to the concept of Israel, making it difficult for many to separate their religious beliefs from the political realities on the ground.
This form of indoctrination is particularly dangerous because it blinds people to the injustices committed in the name of divine right. The displacement, segregation, and occupation of Palestinians, as well as the ongoing violence against civilians, are often seen through the lens of religious justification, rather than as violations of human rights and international law. For those who have been taught to believe in the divine ownership of Israel, any questioning of this narrative is seen as heretical or anti-Semitic, which stifles critical debate.
The question of how the God of Israel has become the God of Christianity—and, by extension, how this narrative has gained such a strong foothold globally—can be traced back to the roots of Christian theology. Early Christian leaders adopted Jewish scriptures as part of their religious framework, leading to the widespread acceptance of the Jewish narrative among Christians. Over time, this narrative has been reinforced by political agendas, particularly in the West, where support for Israel is often framed in religious terms.
But this raises a deeper question: where are the gods of other regions and peoples—Africa, Asia, and specifically Nigeria? Why has the God of Israel been so widely accepted in Christianity, while the spiritual beliefs of other cultures have been marginalized? This imbalance reflects centuries of religious and cultural dominance, where the narratives of the powerful have often been accepted as universal truths, at the expense of indigenous and non-Western perspectives.
The perpetuation of this indoctrination poses a serious risk to future generations. Passing on the belief that a particular group has divine rights over land or people can lead to dangerous, unquestioning support for policies that result in violence, oppression, and injustice. It’s time to critically examine and debunk this narrative, not only for the sake of justice for Palestinians but also for the sake of creating a more equitable and rational world.
We must foster a new understanding that moves beyond the idea of divine entitlement to land and embraces a more inclusive and humane perspective. History should be viewed through the lens of fairness, justice, and shared human experience, rather than through the narrow and often divisive framework of religious entitlement. This is especially important because the indoctrination around the “divine ownership” of Israel has been used to justify not only the displacement and suffering of Palestinians but also broader geopolitical conflicts that have destabilized entire regions.
The belief that God has chosen one group of people and given them exclusive rights to land inherently creates an “us versus them” mindset, fostering division, conflict, and oppression. This is a dangerous ideology to pass on to future generations, as it fuels not only religious extremism but also political aggression and violence. It prevents meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence.
Moreover, the acceptance of this narrative by large parts of the global population, including many Christians who see the establishment of Israel as part of biblical prophecy, makes it harder to challenge the injustices being carried out in the name of religion. The God of Israel, having become synonymous with the God of Christianity, has allowed for the fusion of religious and political ideologies, blurring the lines between faith and the realities of human rights abuses.
This is why it’s critical to begin deconstructing these deeply ingrained beliefs. We need to encourage critical thinking about the narratives that have been handed down through religious institutions, historical interpretations, and political agendas. Educating people about the historical context of the Middle East, the origins of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, and the impact of colonialism and nationalism on the region can help dismantle the myth of divine entitlement.
By questioning and revisiting these long-held beliefs, we also open the door to reimagining our spiritual and cultural landscapes in ways that are inclusive and just. It’s time for a broader, global conversation that embraces the multiplicity of spiritual traditions—from Africa to Asia to the Americas—and respects the rights of all people to self-determination and peace. In this context, it’s essential to recognize that no single group or religion holds exclusive claim to any part of the earth, and that all human beings deserve the right to live in dignity, free from oppression and violence.
The danger of perpetuating the idea that the God of Israel is also the God of Christianity, and that this God ordains the occupation and displacement of another people, is not just theological—it’s political and moral. Indoctrination of this kind breeds a worldview where violence can be justified in the name of a higher power, where empathy for the “other” is diminished, and where cycles of conflict are passed down from one generation to the next.
It is, therefore, crucial for us to challenge and debunk these narratives, not only for the sake of truth but for the future of global peace and justice. The time has come to dismantle the dangerous myth of divine ownership and to promote a vision of the world where all people, regardless of their background, are entitled to equal rights and freedoms.
Duruebube Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
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