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Evangelical Views Toward Israel Slip to New Low
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A Pew Research Center survey published in July 2026 revealed how “evangelical Christians are not immune to growing negative sentiment toward Israel among Americans.” What accounts for this change in attitude? A variety of factors appear to be at work.
Generational change must be taken into consideration. “Pew found that a majority of Americans over the age of 50 hold a favorable view toward Israel, while support drops among younger groups. Only 32 percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 have a positive view of the Israeli people.”
Theological emphases have changed. Evangelicals in the boomer generation were raised on the teachings of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and John Hagee, but their theology is not as influential among younger evangelicals. Dispensationalism—the idea that God has a special role for modern Israel to play in the end times—was dominant from the 1960s to recent years, but today’s seminaries have tended to move toward covenant theology which tones down the importance of Israel’s role in the end times.
Today’s larger cultural trends may also be a factor in the shift. American voters have become increasingly disillusioned with entanglement in foreign wars. They also question the United States’ ongoing financial support of Israel.
Then there is the violence of the ongoing war. The number of deaths in Gaza has skyrocketed since October 2022 and made many reexamine Israel and its values. Should American Christians be giving Israel such unquestioned support?
“Evangelical Views Toward Israel Slip to New Low” was written by Harvest Prude and posted on the Christianity Today website on July 22, 2026.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/07/israel-gaza-war-american-evangelical-christians-survey/
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What is Christian Zionism?
Christian Zionism merges theology and politics. It teaches that the secular State of Israel is a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Christian Zionism believes that this fulfillment of Biblical prophecy began when European Jews started moving to Palestine in the 1800s, and continued as Israel became a nation in 1948. Christian Zionists believe that modern Israel is a continuation of Biblical Israel and therefore should enjoy special privileges. They declare that it is the responsibility of Christians to support the State of Israel and its policies.
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We invite you to explore the basis for Christian Zionism and to find answers to some perplexing questions. For example, is contemporary Israel the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy? Are the Jewish people God’s chosen people today? Has God promised the land of Palestine exclusively to the Jewish people as an everlasting inheritance? How should Christians view the Palestinians and especially the Palestinian church?
We welcome you to join us in pondering these crucial issues...
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Biblical Questions
Who owns the Holy Land?
Has the Church replaced Israel?
Who are God's "chosen people" today?
Theological Questions
What is replacement theology?
Was Jesus a Zionist?
Did modern Israel inherit the promises made to Abraham?
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Political Questions
Is there an Israeli occupation of Palestinian land?
Why do some refer to the West Bank and Gaza as “disputed territory”?
What about the special plight of children living under occupation?
Featured Resource
The Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) is a collective of pastors, students, scholars and everyday Christians working together as followers of Jesus toward justice and peace, seeking holistic approaches to conflict in the Middle East. NEME’s leadership team recognizes we are at an inflection point where an increasing number of evangelicals are seeking answers to questions about justice over issues like the war in Gaza.
Our collegues at NEME have created an inspiring, informative website. For additional resources, visit NEME: Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East.