Fair and Square | (Ep. 421)

In episode 421 of Plodcast, host Douglas Wilson explores two major themes: the historical foundation of the State of Israel and the theological concept of hatred in the New Testament. He traces the origins of Israel's establishment to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, the strategic maneuvers of Britain and France during and after World War I, and the role of figures like Winston Churchill and Lawrence of Arabia in shaping the Middle East’s post-Ottoman borders. Wilson argues that Israel’s territorial gains—particularly after the 1948 War of Independence and the Six-Day War—were acquired 'fair and square' under the laws of nations, regardless of biblical prophecy. He then shifts focus to a deep dive into the biblical use of the word 'miseo' (μισέω), showing how hatred is condemned when directed at fellow humans but praised when directed at sin, injustice, or false doctrine. Key passages from Romans, 1 John, Revelation, and Hebrews illustrate that God hates sin and injustice, and that believers are called to hate evil while loving their neighbors. The episode concludes with a book review of 'Blood, Money, Power' by McClellan, which examines the JFK assassination and presents circumstantial evidence suggesting Lyndon B. Johnson may have benefited from and possibly orchestrated the killing to avoid political downfall.