Christian Zionism In The News

• Learn how Christian Zionism affects the news we hear every day.
• Discover significant stories that our mainstream press often overlooks.

Scroll down for timely insights

Survey highights growing ambivalence toward Israel among younger evangelicals

July 1, 2021

A 2021 survey on evangelicals, conducted by a media research corporation in partnership with two professors on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, has given us noteworthy data. The survey reveals waning support for Israel among young evangelicals. The professors who conducted the survey have concluded that labels should not be imposed upon today's young evangelicals because the reality is an "immense diversity in their views."

A recent article from Religion News Service (RNS) discusses the findings of this survey. The author of this article, Jack Jenkins, is a professional journalist on the staff of RNS. Religious News Service is an independent, non-profit source of national and international news on faith, spirituality, culture, and faith-based politics. RNS is affiliated with the Missouri School of Journalism of the University of Missouri. To view Jenkins’ article (click here): Young evangelicals hold shifting views of Israel.

Some evangelical Christians equate ancient Israel with the Israel of today, while others reject this view

July 1, 2021

Some evangelical Christians, as well as Jews, apply literal interpretation of Old Testament texts to the modern state of Israel. They utilize their Biblical literalism in order to support a claim that Jerusalem is the "eternal capital" of modern Israel. By contrast, other evangelical Christians, including a highly respected scholar, refuse to equate the ancient Israel of the Bible with the Israel of today, thus invalidating the Christian Zionist rationale for President Trump's relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

An article citing these opposing views, written by Tom Gjelten, was published on the National Public Radio (NPR) website. Gjelten, a journalist employed by National Public Radio for 38 years, retired in April 2021. He had been NPR's Religion correspondent for six years. In an interview published on the NPR website, he remarked that in reporting on religion, an important goal of his has been to "become more attentive to people of faith, more respectful of all those people who take their faith and believe seriously."

To view Gjelten’s article (click here): Evangelical Christians hold opposing views on Jerusalem.

New film gives us a close-up look at counter-productive activities of U.S. Christian Zionists

May 28, 2021

A new documentary film by Jewish-Israeli filmmaker Maya Zinshtein, entitled ’Til Kingdom Come, provides a close-up look at the relationship between American Christian Zionists and the government of Israel. The film questions whether activities of Christian Zionists are genuinely helpful.

Here we feature an insightful review of Zinshtein’s film, written by Azad Essa. Essa is based in New York City and serves on the journalistic staff of Middle East Eye. The author of two books, he is currently an Associate of the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University.

To read Essa’s review (click here): Review of the film “'Til Kingdom Come"

To view the film (click here): Website for the film "'Til KIngdom Come"

Israel's vaccination policies create a dilemma for Christian Zionists

April 27, 2021

Many Christian Zionists reject the use of COVID vaccines, and some believe the proposed introduction of vaccine passports could be the "mark of the beast" heralding the end-times in the Book of Revelation. Meanwhile, the State of Israel has been immunizing millions of its citizens, and has sharply curtailed travel to Israel to protect its citizens from COVID viruses. At present, Israel is refusing to admit travelers from other countries and has a strict quarantine requirement for Israeli citizens re-entering Israel after traveling abroad. 

If Israel adopts a COVID vaccination requirement for foreign visitors, Christian Zionists wishing to Israel will be torn: Should they submit to being vaccinated and travel to Israel to welcome the end-times? Or should they avoid the vaccine and thus deprive themselves of the opportunity for such travel?

An article describing this dilemma was recently published in an American Jewish publication, The Forward. The article was written by Molly Boigon, a reporter on the journalistic staff of The Forward and associate producer and reporter for WGBH-TV in Boston.

To read Boigon’s article (click here):  A COVID vaccination dilemma.

Meet an Inspiring Palestinian Christian Leader, a True Servant of Christ

March 1, 2021

This 27-minute documentary introduces the viewer to Patriarch Michel Sabbah, who served as the Latin Patriarch (Catholic Archbishop) of Jerusalem from 1987 until 2008. Before he became the Archbishop -- the first Palestinian to minister in this capacity -- he earned a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Paris and served as the President of Bethlehem University. In this film he shares his uplifting reflections, presenting the harsh realities faced by Palestinian Christians while at the same time revealing himself as a man of unquenchable faith, hope, and charity. Included are photographic views of the Holy City.

To view the video (click here): The People's Patriarch.

In memoriam: Sheldon Adelson, Financial Supporter of Christian Zionism

March 1, 2021

Sheldon Adelson, a highly influential supporter of Zionist causes, passed away in January of this year. Adelson amassed a fortune from his empire of gambling casinos, and provided millions of dollars to Jewish Zionist and Christian Zionist organizations in the United States. Among the organizations receiving financial backing from Adelson was the largest Christian Zionist organization in the United States, namely Christians United For Israel (CUFI). Adelson, who was Jewish, adopted a tolerant attitude toward the anti-Semitic views of CUFI’s founder and leader, Rev. John Hagee.

Click here for an insightful article about Adelson’s enduring influence on Zionist causes: +972 Magazine article on Sheldon Adelson. +972 Magazine is a weekly newsletter published in Israel by Israeli journalists. It is named for the international telephone dialing code for the State of Israel (972).

Church Leaders Discuss What is Needed for Peace Between Israelis and Palestinians

January 25, 2021

In this opinion piece from Religion News Service, two Protestant pastors identify the obstacles to a just peace in the Holy Land and offer suggestions for constructive measures that the Biden administration could adopt. Such measures are sorely needed because of the ravages of the deadly COVID-19 virus in the Palestinian territories, in addition to loss of land and water, checkpoints, unemployment, and other sufferings caused by the Israeli occupation. To read the article (click here): The US can help Israel and Palestinians reach a just peace.

The authors:

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton is currently serving her second 6-year term as the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree at the College of Wooster and Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School. Her pastoral ministry has included Lutheran congregations in Ohio.

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). She earned the Master of Divinity degree at North Park Theological Seminary. In addition, she holds a Master of Business Administration, an M.A. in Bioethics, and a Ph.D. in American History. She is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

A Voice from Bethlehem: Meet a Christian Pastor Serving in the Birthplace of Jesus

January 1, 2021

Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, the founder and president of Dar Al Kalima ["House of the Word"] University College of Arts and Culture, served for 30 years as the Pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and for 5 years as the President of the Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. He is Palestinian, born and reared in the town of Bethlehem. The author of 16 books, he holds the Doctor of Theology degree from Philipps University in Marburg, Germany.

To view Rev. Raheb’s video (click here): Rev. Mitri Raheb's Christmas message.

Norwegian Bishops Issue Statement on Christian Zionism

December 1, 2020

In October 2020, the twelve-member Bishops Conference of the Church of Norway issued a statement decisively rejecting Christian Zionism on theological grounds. The bishops took into consideration the issues of Old Testament interpretation, theological determinism, the history of the Holy Land, and human rights. In the same declaration, they expressed a desire to work with Jewish leaders to contribute to the advancement of justice and peace for all residents of the Holy Land.

Church of Norway, a member of the Lutheran World Federation since 1947, is the largest church in Norway, with 73% of the population being baptized members. This church has been admired for its involvement in human rights, including its courageous actions in opposition to Nazi attempts to dominate the church during World War II. On Easter Sunday 1942, church leaders issued a​ bold​ statement entitled "Foundation of the Church," after which many pastors were imprisoned or killed. Today the Church of Norway continues its tradition of active concern for human rights.

To read the statement (click here): Statement of Norwegian Bishops.

Lutheran Pastor has Witnessed Palestinian Perseverance (Sumud) and Explains the Concept as well as the Context

November 1, 2020

Rev. Arland Jacobson describes the admirable courage of ordinary Palestinians as they practice non-violent resistance to various forms of injustice inflicted upon them by the Israeli occupation. He has personally known many Palestinians men and women who demonstrate perseverance despite heart-rending situations. Jacobson, a Lutheran pastor, has taught as a professor at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he has also served as pastor of Bethesda Lutheran Church. His career has included service as executive director of CHARIS Ecumenical Center (also in Moorhead) as well as a semester as Resident Scholar at the Collegeville Institute (Collegeville, Minnesota). To read the article (click here): The Living Protest of Sumud.

How the Relationship Between Christian Zionists and the Current U.S. Administration Endangers Peace

November 1, 2020

This timely article, written by social justice organizer Sarah Lazare, defines Christian Zionism and explains the extent of President Trump's reliance on Christian Zionist voters. We learn how extreme Christian Zionists such as John Hagee seem eager to foment war in the Middle East, and how policies and practices of the current U.S. administration are designed to appeal to Christian Zionist voters. To read the article (click here): Endangering peace.

Using the State of Israel as a “Political Football” to Seduce Evangelical Voters

October 1, 2020

In an opinion piece, the Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times presents strong evidence that the Trump administration -- most conspicuously Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- is exploiting the State of Israel in order to seduce the Evangelical vote. The administration’s recent actions in regard to Israel have been blatantly self-promoting. Even a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, who is Jewish, believes that Israel is being used as a "political football". To read the Chicago Sun Times opinion piece (click here): Chicago Sun Times opinion piece.

Reverend William Barber Shines a Light on the Meaning of “Made in God’s Image”

September 1, 2020

Rev. William Barber is one of those extraordinary leaders who not only possesses an innate capacity to move people, to mobilize people, to enrage people and help them realize what action is needed...but he simultaneously holds the capacity to teach. To teach history, and teach philosophy, and activism (and yes, sometimes a bit of Bible too) -- and to welcome all to the idea that 'forward forward' always means ALL together - and then not one step back.

In this essay, Rev. Barber addresses the plight of Palestinian men, women and children, and our response to that plight (click here): We Are All Made In God’s Image.

Palestinian Christian Document Highlights a Moral Crisis in our Churches

August 31, 2020

The sufferings of Palestinians under Israeli occupation have brought Christians to a moment of moral crisis. Will our churches follow the example of the famous Protestant pastor and scholar Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who courageously resisted the Nazi regime during World War II? A bold document, “Cry for Hope: A Decisive Call for Action”, calls on Christians everwhere to exhibit moral courage in speaking out against oppression.

Rev. Jeff Wright has written an incisive essay (see link below) regarding the “Cry for Hope” document and the moral crisis it poses. Rev. Wright is a former pastor of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Collins, Colorado. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. An experienced traveler, Rev. Wright has visited the Holy Land many times.

To read Rev. Jeff Wright’s essay (click here): Palestinian Christians Issue a Cry for Hope.

Biblical Perspectives on Israeli Annexation

August 30, 2020

In this timely article, Palestinian Christian scholar Yousef Al Khouri reminds us that seizing possession of other people’s lands is clearly labeled as a sin in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. If the modern state of Israel annexes Palestinian land, it thus violates the commandments of Old Testament scriptures. Although Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on August 13, 2020 that he would suspend plans for continued annexation of West Bank lands, he also declared that these plans may be implemented later.

Author Yousef Al Khouri is a Palestinian Christian scholar. Descended from a family tree full of Christian clergy, he lives in Bethlehem, Palestine, where he teaches at Bethlehem Bible College, lectures to international visitors on Palestine and Israel, and writes poetry. A book of his poems has been published.

To read Al Khouri’s article, “The Sin of Annexation: A Palestinian Christian Perspective of the Israeli Annexation Plan” (click here): The Sin of Annexation.

American Jewish Groups Affirm Human Rights, Rebuke Other Jewish Groups for Inconsistency

July 27, 2020

Some U.S. Jewish organizations affirm and support Black Lives Matter while at the same time condoning the brutal suppression of Palestinian human rights. Other Jewish groups, by contrast, affirm human rights for all people everywhere, including Palestinians. Among the organizations affirming human rights for everyone are IfNotNow, +972, and Jewish Voice for Peace. To find out more (click here): Israel-Palestine News.

Christian Pastors of Bethlehem and Neighboring Towns Seek Hope

July 27, 2020

Clergy representing various Christian churches in and around Bethlehem describe the ongoing seizure of Palestinian lands by the Israeli government. Some of these lands are owned by churches, and others are farm lands that provide livelihoods for Palestinian families. As the living conditions worsen, Palestinian Christians are beginning to lose their hope. Many Christians are leaving the Holy Land out of sheer desperation.

Read this open letter from spiritual leaders of Christian communities in the Bethlehem area (click here): Open Letter from Christian Clergy from the Bethlehem Area.

Church Historian Warns Against Melding National Military Might With Radical Religious Beliefs

July 27, 2020

Jeffrey Rosario, a doctoral candidate at Cambridge University in England, traces the history of an American Christian theology that predicts an end-times apocalypse connected to the modern state of Israel. He shows how Rev. John Hagee not only has embraced this belief but also has added the dangerous assertion that U.S. military power, exerted in support of Israel, will bring a divinely-willed end-time of deadly violence. Since Secretary of State Mike Pompeo upholds Hagee's creed, U.S. foreign policy is imperiled. To read Jeffrey Rosario’s timely article (click here): Christian Zionism and Foreign Policy.

From Sweden to the Holy Land: Swedish Christians Support Palestinian Churches

June 29, 2020

Palestinian Christian communities (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) are often forgotten by Western Christians, even though their suffering cries out for our compassion. Recent political developments threaten to make the situation worse. In a recent opinion piece, two Palestinian Christian pastors describe the impacts of these developments on the Christian communities they serve (click here): A Catastrophe for Christians in the Holy Land.

The authors:

Rev. Munther Isaac is the Pastor of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, and the Academic Dean of the Bethlehem Bible College. The author of two books (available on Amazon), he received his theological degrees (M.A. and Ph.D.) from Westminster Theological Seminary and the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.

Fr. Jamal Khader, a Catholic priest, is the Director of the Latin Patriarchate (Roman Catholic) schools in Palestine and the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Ramallah. Previously he has served as the Rector of the Latin Patriarchate Seminary in Palestine. He earned the Doctor of Divinity degree at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. 

Perspectives on the Trump-Netanyahu “Deal of the Century”

February 25, 2020

In late January, the long-awaited "Deal of the Century" was finally announced by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, to mixed reviews. Many Evangelical Christians were at the White House to applaud it. But Middle Eastern Christians — and Palestinian Christians in particular — denounced it as "dead on arrival." Palestinians were not consulted in creating the plan. They fear it is a recipe for more intense occupation and continued loss of their farms, homes, resources, and livelihood. We have collected a series of short essays which shed important light on this new plan. The “deal” raises serious concerns regarding Biblical and ethical issues of land, justice, peace and reconciliation. How will the plan impact the the poor, those living under military occupation? How will it affect the future of Christianity in the Holy Land? The key questions are these: How should Christians evaluate this plan? How should we respond to it? — ChristianZionism.org editorial team

1. Christianity Today magazine. (Click here:) 13 Christian Takes on Trump's Peace Plan

2. Jonathan Cook, long-time UK journalist living in Nazareth. (Click here:) Jonathan Cook article

3. World Communion of Reformed Churches, the largest association of Reformed churches in the world. (Click here:) WCRC Calls for a Just Plan for Peace

4. A Palestinian Christian Resonse. (Click here:) Kairos Palestine Statement on Deal of the Century.

Christ at the Checkpoint 2020: Christians to Gather in Bethlehem to Find Hope and Resiliance in a Broken World

February 22, 2020

In the wake of the so-called “deal of the century”, hundreds of evangelical Christians from the Middle East, United States, and Europe will gather in Bethlehem, Palestine for the sixth Christ at the Checkpoint conference. At this conference, scheduled for June 5-9, 2020, participants will pray, worship, study Scripture, and consider what it means to follow Christ in the shadow of walls and conflict, and how to be resiliant in their Christian witness, keep hope alive, seek justice and truth, and preach good in the midst of a broken world.

This year’s conference will include new activities like visiting local Palestinian churches on Sunday and worshiping at the Wall. Also new this year is a Student Track with limited spaces.

Speakers for CATC 2020 include Rev. Dr. Frank Chikane, Bishop Thomas Schirrmacher, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Fr. Jamal Khader, Daoud Nassar, Bishop Zac, Dr. Mimi Haddad, Dr. Brenda Salt-McNeil and more.

For more information, and to register for the conference (click here): Christ at the Checkpoint 2020.

A Biblical Scholar Studies Christian Zionism

FEBRUARY 1, 2020

Biblical scholar Dr. Gary Burge is the dean of the faculty and professor of New Testament at Calvin Seminary in Michigan. Here Burge explains in simple language what we need to know about Christian Zionism. And he goes on to critique it from a Christian point of view. Burge belongs to the “Reformed Tradition” which is a title for those coming from the protestant reformation centered on John Calvin. When he says “Reformed Tradition” just think “Christian Tradition.” For Burge’s article in The Banner (click here): Gary Burge article. For more of Burge’s writing on this topic, see his book, Whose Land? Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians, and also, Jesus and the Land: The New Testament Challenge to Holy Land Theology.

Smithsonian Magazine Highlights MEJDI Tours - a New Way to See the Holy Land

February 1, 2020

Aziz abu Sarah and Scott Cooper established MEJDI to challenge classic Holy Land tours that ignore important issues, and the local people where they travel. It addresses stereotypes, preconceptions, and one-sided narratives by promoting a wholistic journey focusing on stories of people. Jesus would never have visited archaeological sites in the holy land ignoring the people, injustice, pain, and conflict. Jesus as the Peacemaker calls us to follow in His footsteps.

To view the Smithsonian Magazine article, “Two Tour Guides—One Israeli, One Palestinian—Offer a New Way to See the Holy Land” (click here): Smithsonian Magazine.

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