Van Oort, Johannes (Hans)2024-07-312023Johannes van Oort (2023) Augustine on Israel and Jerusalem, Journal of Early Christian History, 13:3, 115-129, DOI: 10.1080/2222582X.2024.2311924.2222-582X (print)2471-4054 (online)10.1080/2222582X.2024.2311924http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97354This essay is written in view of the heartbreaking crisis in the Middle East, especially the terrible Gaza war. What did the influential (and for many still authoritative) church father Augustine think about Israel and Jerusalem? From his entire oeuvre, the texts in which he discusses Israel and Jerusalem have been examined. The conclusion is that he considers their material significance to be of only temporary value: he emphasises their “spiritual” and “eternal” significance. In close connection with his view of salvation history, Augustine never speaks of a lasting land promise for Israel in Palestine: the true Israel is a spiritual entity, as is the true spiritual Jerusalem. Based on his Christian views, Augustine would reject any Zionist zeal for present-day Israel and Jerusalem; and, a fortiori, any current war practice.en© Unisa Press 2023. This is an electronic version of an article published in Journal of Early Christian History, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 115-129, 2023. doi : 10.1080/2222582X.2024.2311924. Journal of Early Christian History is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rech20.AugustineGaza warIsraelJerusalemSpiritual interpretationZionismSDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsPostprint Article