Mission: The Philos Project is committed to a positive vision for the whole Middle East, yet we also have a core set of interests. Our four central concerns are:
Protecting and advancing the well-being of Christians. Christianity is a Middle Eastern religion and millions of our brothers and sisters still claim the name of Christ in those ancient lands. We stand firmly by their side as they seek to remain in the region and rebuild their societies, especially the heavily-decimated Soraya – Assyrians, Syriacs, Chaldeans, and Arameans – who are struggling to preserve their culture across the Fertile Crescent.
Defending the sovereign existence of the Jewish people. We believe that any positive engagement with the Middle East must begin with the State of Israel. Though imperfect, Israel is a vibrant enclave of liberty that demonstrates how Jews, Muslims, and Christians can live side-by-side in a modern yet religiously-informed state. The Jewish people merit sovereignty. The State of Israel is our ally. More importantly, Israel is the source and keeper of the Hebraic tradition – the Hebrew Bible and the world-changing ideas that flow from that ancient text – and in that sense the Jews are more than just another population group in the Middle East. The Philos Project calls less for “supporting” Israel and more for partnering with her in the spirit of friendship to advance our common values in the region.
Empowering Muslims who share our values and opposing those who attack them. Muslims are the largest population group in the Middle East, and their future will largely determine the future of the region. The Philos Project recognizes that Islam has given birth to a number of violent groups and ideologies that are committed to annihilating the Hebraic tradition and every other tradition not cast in its own mold. But we also recognize that most Muslims are mere bystanders who want to live peacefully in their homes and communities. Christian engagement with the region must always proceed on this parallel track: affirming good and confronting evil. We believe that the United States can build strong alliances with those Muslims in the region who support liberty and justice for all peoples and thereby undermine the thugs who try to scare them into silence.
Educating Christian leaders on how to engage the region. Western interaction with the Middle East has been erratic to say the least. We believe that the problem stems from a basic ignorance about the region and its people. The Philos Project seeks to build a community of educated Christian leaders from all backgrounds who possess the knowledge and discernment to facilitate constructive, long-term engagement with the region.
Programs: The Philos Project is the network hub for leaders and future leaders who are committed to promoting positive Christian engagement in the Middle East. Our mission includes:
Proclaiming friendship with those in the region who support liberty and justice for all peoples;
Reviving an intellectually rigorous Christian approach to foreign policy, especially as it relates to the Middle East;
Educating Christians on the theological, historical, and political issues surrounding Israel and the Jewish people; and
Empowering the church to advocate for real peace in tangible ways.
Our vision is a pluralistic Middle East based on freedom and rule of law where nations, tribes, and religious communities can live beside each other as neighbors. Perfect peace will not come until the Prince of Peace returns, but we seek to advance the spirit of His Kingdom in this present age.
To that end, we provide immersive tours in the region, educational programming, media, thought leadership, and advocacy. Ultimately we aim to be a resource and force-multiplier for Christian leaders as they think about and engage with this part of the world.
The Philos Project does real good in this world. Not only do they help educate Christians about the Middle East, they also seek to encourage positive dialogue between Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
There is no organization that better understands the problems in the Middle East. I think very highly of the Philos Project and the work that they do.
I seriously love The Philos Project so much! I participated this past summer in one of their intensive study abroad trips to Israel. It was so informative and eye-opening to the need for positive Christian engagement in the Middle East. The materials they presented were unbiased, and very all encompassing to allow you as a Christian to think critically about how you can help. It was also very easy for anyone to learn with them, whether you have a Master's Degree in Middle Eastern Studies or you have your undergrad in Mathematics, you will be able to absorb the information. The leadership is incredible, and the growth you will experience from working with them and learning from them is impeccable.
I had the great privilege of being a part of The Philos Project's first Leadership Institution which allowed us the life-changing opportunity to explore the Middle East and all its complexities up close and personal. This trip stretched my heart, opened my eyes and has changed the course of my life in many ways. The world needs to know truth and not just the information our media feeds us. The men and women behind this non-profit aim to do just that: reveal the truth in a gracious way.
Thank you Philos Project for your pursuit of truth, and for your passionate love for humanity. The work you're doing, truly is history making.
They are an amazing, highly educated group. They passionately care about the Middle East and getting people involved. They never tell you what to think but rather expose you to truth to determine your own thoughts.
