The relationship between the Christian Church and the modern state of Israel is complex and multifaceted, stemming from deep theological, historical, and political roots. Many Christians, particularly within certain Protestant traditions, support Israel for a variety of reasons, ranging from biblical prophecy to shared moral and political values. Understanding this support requires exploring theological interpretations of Scripture, the significance of Israel in Christian eschatology, and contemporary geopolitical realities. Here we will discuss why the Christian Church, particularly evangelical circles, has often expressed strong support for Israel, examining the key factors that contribute to this stance.
1. Biblical Foundations of Support for Israel
One of the primary reasons for Christian support of Israel is rooted in the Bible. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is full of references to the people of Israel as God’s chosen nation. Genesis 12:3 is a foundational verse for many Christians in this regard: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Many Christians interpret this verse as an ongoing promise, believing that the nation of Israel, even in its modern political form, is still the recipient of God’s covenant blessings. Supporting Israel, in this view, is synonymous with aligning oneself with God’s promises and blessings.
In addition, the Abrahamic covenant, detailed in Genesis 17, establishes the land of Israel as an everlasting inheritance for Abraham’s descendants. This covenantal theology has been embraced by many Christians, who see the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948 as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. They believe that God’s covenant with the Jewish people is eternal, and the restoration of Israel is a key step in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the world.
2. Eschatological Beliefs
Christian eschatology, or beliefs about the end times, plays a significant role in shaping Christian attitudes toward Israel. Many evangelical Christians adhere to a theological perspective known as dispensationalism, which divides history into distinct periods, or “dispensations,” of God’s interaction with humanity. According to this view, the Jewish people and the land of Israel have a special role in God’s plan for the end times.
One of the key tenets of dispensationalist eschatology is the belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Dispensationalists often argue that certain events must take place before Christ’s return, including the restoration of Israel as a nation and the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. In this framework, the modern state of Israel is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy and a precursor to the second coming of Christ.
For many Christians, particularly in evangelical communities, supporting Israel is seen as part of their eschatological hope. They believe that by standing with Israel, they are supporting God’s plan for the world and hastening the return of Christ. This belief is often reflected in Christian Zionism, a movement that advocates for the political and spiritual significance of Israel and the Jewish people in God’s divine plan.
3. A Shared Judeo-Christian Heritage
Another reason for Christian support of Israel is the recognition of the shared Judeo-Christian heritage. Christianity emerged from Judaism, and the New Testament is deeply intertwined with the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus himself was Jewish, as were the apostles and many of the early Christians. The Christian faith is built upon the foundation of the Old Testament, and the Jewish people are regarded as the forebears of Christian faith.
Many Christians feel a deep sense of respect and gratitude toward the Jewish people for preserving the Scriptures, traditions, and beliefs that formed the foundation of Christianity. This sense of shared heritage fosters a solidarity with the Jewish people and, by extension, with the state of Israel. Supporting Israel, in this context, is seen as an expression of gratitude for the spiritual legacy that Christianity has inherited from Judaism.
4. Moral and Political Values
In addition to theological reasons, many Christians support Israel because they perceive it as a bastion of democracy and human rights in a region often marked by political instability, authoritarianism, and religious extremism. Israel, despite its challenges, is seen by many as a stable, democratic ally that shares key values with the Western world, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the rule of law.
For many Christians, supporting Israel is not only about theology but also about standing with a nation that represents similar moral and political ideals. The United States, in particular, has a long history of close ties with Israel, and many American Christians see the U.S.-Israel relationship as an important geopolitical partnership. Israel is often viewed as a critical ally in the fight against terrorism and extremism in the Middle East, and Christian support for Israel can also be understood in the context of broader concerns about global security and stability.
5. Response to Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust
The horror of the Holocaust and the long history of anti-Semitism have also influenced Christian support for Israel. In the aftermath of World War II, many Christians felt a moral obligation to support the Jewish people and their right to a homeland where they could live in peace and security. The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was seen by many as a necessary response to centuries of persecution and violence against the Jewish people.
Supporting Israel is, for some Christians, a way of standing against anti-Semitism and affirming the right of the Jewish people to self-determination. The history of Christian complicity in anti-Semitism has led some denominations to reexamine their attitudes toward the Jewish people and to advocate for stronger support of Israel as a form of repentance and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The Christian Church’s support for Israel is shaped by a combination of theological, moral, and political factors. From biblical covenants and eschatological expectations to shared democratic values and a response to anti-Semitism, there are many reasons why Christians, particularly evangelicals, have historically stood with Israel. However, as the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to evolve, the Church’s support for Israel will likely continue to be a topic of debate, with different Christian communities offering diverse perspectives on how best to approach this important issue.
