BOOK: These Brothers of Mine

By Rob Dalrymple | Amazon.com | 180 pages
Published in May of 2015

SUMMARY: These Brothers of Mine is a theologically rich, provocatively argued, and compassionately penned work that seeks to dismantle long-standing assumptions within Western evangelical Christianity about land, family, and God’s promises. With measured conviction, pastor Rob Dalrymple challenges the ideology of Christian Zionism, contending that such theology not only misinterprets Scripture but also perpetuates harmful divisions in the Middle East, both theologically and geopolitically.

At its core, Dalrymple’s thesis is both simple and profound: “Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.” Through this lens, he reframes central biblical themes, arguing that the promises of land, temple, and people find their ultimate realization in Christ, not in physical or ethnic terms, but in spiritual and global ones. This Christological hermeneutic becomes the foundation for his critique of Christian Zionism and its insistence on a literal fulfillment of Old Testament promises tied exclusively to the modern state of Israel.

Dalrymple insists that the kingdom Jesus established transcends racial and national boundaries: “To side with Israel against the Palestinians, or the Palestinians against Israel, is not to stand with Jesus.” For Dalrymple, the heart of God’s promises lies in their universal scope—His desire to dwell among all people and throughout the entire earth. The land and the temple, once temporary provisions, served as signposts to a greater reality fulfilled in Jesus.

Dalrymple dismantles the binary assumptions of Christian Zionism and Replacement Theology, calling both camps to recognize that Jesus is the true Israel, the true seed of Abraham, and the embodiment of God’s redemptive purposes. By doing so, he avoids alienating readers who might otherwise feel their deeply held theological convictions dismissed outright.

This book is as much a call to action as it is a theological treatise. Dalrymple argues that Western theology, particularly Christian Zionism, has contributed to the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land by uncritically supporting one side at the expense of another. He makes an impassioned plea for Christians to reject nationalism and instead embrace their role as peacemakers who uphold the dignity and worth of all people—Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike.

One of the book’s most compelling points is Dalrymple’s assertion that evangelical Christians must act as the conscience of the state, not its tool. This prophetic stance challenges readers to move beyond theological abstraction and take responsibility for the real-world consequences of their beliefs. His insistence that “the church cannot be silent” underscores the urgency of his message: theological convictions have profound implications, and the stakes—justice, peace, and human lives—are far too high to ignore.

Dalrymple’s hermeneutical approach, centered on Christ, is both his greatest strength and his most polarizing feature. He critiques Christian Zionism’s reliance on a “literal” reading of Scripture, arguing instead that the Bible must be read through a Christological lens. This allows him to reinterpret the promises of land and family as part of God’s overarching plan to bless the whole earth, not just one nation or ethnicity.

However, this approach may frustrate readers who prefer a more traditional or literal interpretation of the Old Testament. Dalrymple’s arguments are nuanced and supported by Scripture, but they demand a willingness to reconsider deeply ingrained perspectives.

While These Brothers of Mine is dense with theological insights, its ultimate focus remains on people. As Dalrymple states, “Ultimately, this book is about people.” His commitment to human dignity and peace resonates throughout the text, making it not only a critique of Christian Zionism but also a heartfelt appeal for reconciliation in one of the world’s most contentious conflicts.

Dalrymple’s work is both a theological challenge and a pastoral call to action. His message is clear: the promises of God are not confined by geography, ethnicity, or political allegiance; they are fulfilled in Christ and extend to all people. By grounding his critique in Scripture and emphasizing the real-world implications of theology, Dalrymple invites his readers to engage with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with humility, love, and a commitment to justice.

These Brothers of Mine is not an easy read—it will likely unsettle those comfortable in their theological certainties. But for those willing to grapple with its arguments, the book offers a compelling vision of a kingdom that transcends borders and brings hope to a divided world. Despite being penned 10 years ago, it continues to be a prophetic word for our time.

KEY QUOTE: “To side with Israel against the Palestinians, or the Palestinians against Israel, is not to stand with Jesus. The kingdom that Jesus established transcends racial and nationalistic boundaries. The people of God must advocate for peace and the human dignity of all people (Jews, Muslims, Christians, and any others). We must renounce terrorism and the oppression of any people, regardless of who the perpetrator is.”

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BONUS: Listen to Dalrymple talk about his book on the Where Are the Peace Makers? podcast.

DID YOU KNOW? Sunday to Saturday has a Good Reads page where we post all of the books we have read – even the ones that didn’t make the cut.

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