Despite being hammered by the rank and file over their divestment propensities and pressure to pursue more even-handed and less dogmatic methods with regard to the Israel-Arab conflict, the Presbyterian Church (USA) "higher ups" continue their prior course unimpeded.

Case in point, under their "Study resources for children and youth," PC(USA) provides this handy PDF "document for teachers and youth advisors." According to the piece, '“Walls or Bridges?” is the theme of these children and youth resources.' I think we can see where this is going.

It's most prominent recommendation? This film, available on Google Video, and also recommended for purchase (only $125!): Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land: Media & the Israel-Palestine Conflict. Many of you will already be familiar with this piece of propagandistic trash. It starts with a series of lies concerning 1967 and UN 242, then hops right into an interview with Noam Chomsky...that should tell you what you need to know. Among the other "experts" appearing who's names you may recognize (most you should, if you don't a very quick Google will get you the point): Hanan Ashrawi, Robert Fisk, Neve Gordon, Toufic Haddad, Sam Husseini, Hussein Ibish, Robert Jensen, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Gila Svirsky...get the picture?

This is recommended educational material for the PC(USA)...we don't get the "real story" of the Middle East (but he Europeans, thanks to top-notch journalists like Robert Fisk) do. After all, we all know who controls the media over here...

Update: Will Spotts takes this issue and runs with it in an excellent post with message to his fellow Presbyterians: Crossing a Line.