Colin Chapman
Born in India, brought up in Scotland, and having studied at St Andrew’s University, London Bible College and the American University in Cairo, THE REVD COLIN CHAPMAN was Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology, Beirut, Lebanon from 1999 to his retirement in 2004. Previous to this, he was Principal of Crowther Hall (the Church Mission Society Training College, Selly Oak, Birmingham), Lecturer in the Study of Religion at Trinity College, Bristol, and Assistant Chaplain at All Saints Cathedral, Cairo. With an MA in Greek and Hebrew and an MPhil in Teaching Christians about Islam: A Study in Methodology, and having lived in the Middle East for a total of 17 years between 1960 and the present day, Colin is eminently qualified to have written several important books including Islam and the West: Conflict, Co-existence or Conversion? (Paternoster); and Christianity on Trial, The Case for Christianity and Whose Promised Land? (all Lion).
Whilst in the UK, Colin is based in Malvern, Worcestershire, and enjoys hill walking and playing the cello. He has written a number of articles about the conflict in the Middle East, including an article for The Bible in Transmission (Journal of The Bible Society, UK), and speaks at various events and talks.
Whose Holy City?: Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict is the follow-up to Whose Promised Land?. The book seeks to explain the significance and importance of Jerusalem for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and the political and religious factors behind the conflict over Jerusalem in recent years. It also look as possible ways forward for peace and reconciliation.
Praise for Colin Chapman’s Whose Promised Land?
‘Chapman’s research is thorough; he quotes key historical figures at length and seeks to honestly handle the Bible, shunning the dogmatism that would distance opponents. Even if you disagree, hear him out. He’s a trustworthy guide for your thinking. If only more had his grace and balance.’
Christianity and Renewal
‘Well worth reading for the sympathetic presentation of the cases of the two sides. One does not have to agree with all the author’s conclusions to profit by his learning.’
English Churchman
‘The most up-to-date and informed book on the subject. Whose Promised Land? unravels the complex issues surrounding the continuing crisis between Israel and Palestine. This fully revised and updated edition… provides an even-handed approach… it seeks to present an honest appraisal of modern Israel while clearly delineating the inter-related issues surrounding the crisis in the Middle East… There’s a great deal of good analysis of some very difficult texts. A terrific book.’
American Vision