Christian Zionism In The News

Evangelical Support for Israel Can Change

December 8, 2021

Polls show that support for Israel among younger evangelicals has declined. But will this decline be permanent? An engaging article by Walker Robins traces the history of Baptist support for the modern state of Israel. Robins explains that, while Baptist support for Israel is strong now, the messengers at 1948’s annual meeting strongly rejected resolutions congratulating President Harry Truman for his recognition of Israel. Writing in 1945, Baptist evangelist John R. Rice (1895-1980) stated, “The Zionist movement is not a fulfillment of the prophecies about Israel being restored,” and “Preachers who think so are mistaken.” As Walker demonstrates, “Evangelical support for Israel is neither permanent nor inevitable.”

Walker Robins’ article appeared in the July 19, 2021 edition of The Conversation. Robins received a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oklahoma, and is a lecturer in history at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. More historical information about Baptist support for modern Israel can be found in Walker’s recently published book, Between Dixie and Zion: Southern Baptists and Palestine before Israel. 

To view Walker’s article (click here): Evangelical support for Israel is neither permanent nor inevitable.