Why do evangelical Christians support Israel? | The Bottom Line

Al Jazeera English17 minutes read

American evangelicals, who make up 30% of the population, strongly support Israel based on biblical prophecy, influencing national debates and politics. Christian Zionists, believing in fulfilling God's promise to the Jewish people, see backing Israel as hastening Jesus' return, shaping political alliances like that of Orban and Trump with Israel.

Insights

  • American evangelicals, driven by conservative Christian beliefs and a focus on biblical prophecy, strongly support Israel, aiming to fulfill God's promise to the Jewish people and potentially hasten the return of Jesus.
  • The complex dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict involve Christian Zionists lacking deep knowledge, Palestinian Christians advocating nonviolent resistance, and the significant impact of evangelical Christians globally promoting sectarian divisions and hindering discussions on justice and empathy in the region.

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Recent questions

  • Why do American evangelicals strongly support Israel?

    American evangelicals support Israel due to biblical prophecy beliefs.

  • How do Christian Zionists view the Israel-Palestine conflict?

    Christian Zionists often base their support on biblical interpretations.

  • What role do Palestinian Christians play in the conflict?

    Palestinian Christians historically advocate for nonviolent resistance.

  • How has the Gaza conflict impacted multi-ethnic communities?

    Evangelical Christians globally have contributed to division by promoting sectarian divisions.

  • What was the significance of Hamas' military attacks in the conflict?

    Hamas' military attacks shifted power balance slightly towards Palestinians.

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Summary

00:00

"Christian Zionists and Israel: Political Influence"

  • American evangelicals have been strong supporters of Israel for decades, with 30% of Americans identifying as evangelicals.
  • Conservative Christians, a significant part of the Republican party, drive national debates on various issues and strongly support Israel due to a belief in biblical prophecy.
  • Christian Zionism, a centuries-old idea, ties into the belief that supporting Israel fulfills God's promise to the Jewish people.
  • Some Christian Zionists believe backing Israel will hasten the second coming of Jesus, based on their interpretation of biblical prophecies.
  • The alliance between Christian Zionists and Israel includes political figures like Orban and Trump, despite their anti-Semitic views.
  • Hamas, while Islamist, is not equated with extremist groups like ISIS by some, and has shown willingness to work towards peace with Israel.
  • Christian Zionists in the US, while powerful, often lack deep knowledge on the Israel-Palestine conflict and base their support on biblical interpretations.
  • President Biden, a Catholic, is not a Christian Zionist, unlike some previous Republican politicians.
  • Palestinian Christians have historically been part of the Palestinian nationalist movement, advocating for nonviolent forms of resistance.
  • Elevating the idea of nonviolent movements and protests may be crucial in shifting the narrative and approach in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

19:24

Hamas attacks, Evangelical Christians fuel conflict

  • On October 7th, Hamas conducted military attacks breaching walls, attacking soldiers and civilians, resulting in the capture of soldiers and civilians as hostages, which was deemed a war crime. Despite the focus on civilian casualties, the military aspect of the conflict was significant, with 62 unarmed Palestinians killed by snipers in one day, shifting the power balance slightly towards Palestinians but also increasing Israeli fears and reactions.
  • Evangelical Christians globally have contributed to the division of multi-ethnic, multi-faith communities by promoting sectarian divisions and religious intolerance. In Israel, their support for the Jewish people stems from the Old Testament, aligning with conservative Christianity's political influence, particularly evident in the current Gaza conflict. Religion plays a significant role in the Palestine-Israel issue, overshadowing tolerance and empathy, hindering discussions on justice and better lives for both sides.
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