Why evangelicals influence US foreign policy in the Middle East | EP1 | Witness Documentary
Al Jazeera English・24 minutes read
The text highlights the strong influence of the American Evangelical Community on politics, particularly concerning US foreign policy towards Israel and the belief in biblical prophecies shaping these views. It also delves into the fusion of religion and politics, showcasing the Evangelical movement's support for Israel and its impact on policies in the region.
Insights
- The American Evangelical Community strongly influences US foreign policy towards Israel due to its belief in a literal interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of armed training for a holy war and supporting Israel fervently for the second coming of Christ.
- Christian Zionism, backed by organizations like Christians United for Israel, actively supports policies that displace Palestinians, annex Palestinian lands, and arm Israel, potentially leading to conflict in the Middle East, contrasting with calls for peace and hope for Palestinians.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of Jerusalem in biblical prophecies?
Jerusalem holds immense importance in biblical prophecies, particularly for Evangelical Christians who believe its control by Jews is crucial for the second coming of Christ. This belief stems from a literal interpretation of the Bible, where Jerusalem plays a central role in the end times and the return of Jesus. Evangelicals view Israel as a key player in fulfilling these prophecies, supporting the country fervently. The fusion of politics and religion is evident in Evangelical Christian Zionists shaping US policies towards Israel, emphasizing the city's role in biblical events.
How do Evangelicals view the state of Israel?
Evangelicals strongly support Israel, considering it vital for biblical prophecies and the second coming of Christ. They believe that the existence and control of Israel are essential for fulfilling these prophecies, aligning with a literal interpretation of the Bible. This unwavering support is reflected in Evangelical influence on US foreign policy towards Israel, with groups like Christians United for Israel advocating for policies that arm Israel and displace Palestinians from Jerusalem.
What role do Evangelicals play in shaping US policies?
Evangelical Christian Zionists have a significant impact on shaping US policies, especially regarding Israel and the Middle East. Their belief in biblical prophecies and the importance of Israel in fulfilling these prophecies drive their advocacy for policies that align with their religious views. This influence extends to areas like foreign policy, with Evangelicals supporting Israel fervently and promoting actions that they believe will hasten the second coming of Christ.
How does the Evangelical community view the Rapture?
The Evangelical community holds a strong belief in the Rapture, where believers will be taken to Heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth. This belief is rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible, particularly regarding the end times and the return of Jesus. Evangelicals see the Rapture as a significant event that they anticipate eagerly, shaping their worldview and influencing their actions in support of Israel and other related policies.
What is the connection between Evangelicals and US politics?
Evangelicals have a deep connection with US politics, particularly in shaping policies related to Israel and the Middle East. Their strong influence stems from a belief in biblical prophecies and the importance of Israel in fulfilling these prophecies. Evangelical Christian Zionists actively advocate for policies that align with their religious views, impacting decisions on issues like recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the relocation of the US Embassy. This connection underscores the fusion of politics and religion in shaping US foreign policy.
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Summary
00:00
Evangelicals and Israel: Politics, Prophecy, and Influence
- The text discusses the importance of being prepared for a holy war and mentions armed training and militia groups.
- It emphasizes the belief in a literal interpretation of the Bible, particularly regarding the end times and the return of Jesus.
- The American Evangelical Community is highlighted for its strong influence in politics, especially in shaping US foreign policy towards Israel.
- A former college basketball star, Ralph Dinger, organizes Bible studies for politicians, including members of Congress and the Trump cabinet.
- The text delves into the belief that the state of Israel is crucial for the second coming of Christ, with Evangelicals supporting Israel fervently.
- There is a focus on the fusion of politics and religion, with Evangelical Christian Zionists playing a significant role in shaping US policies.
- The text mentions the belief in biblical prophecies, including the idea that control of Jerusalem by Jews is essential for the second coming of Christ.
- It discusses the Evangelical movement's belief in the Rapture, where believers will be taken to Heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth.
- The text touches on the Evangelical community's strong support for Israel, viewing it as a key player in biblical prophecies and the end times.
- It concludes with a mention of a motorcycle ride in Israel to honor IDF soldiers and show support for the country.
22:21
"Jerusalem Conflict: Good vs Evil Battle"
- Armageddon is depicted as the final battle between Good and Evil, with the narrator on a Harley heading towards the Megiddo Valley, where the enemy, the devil, and his forces will come against the Bride riding a Big White Horse.
- The narrator expresses a desire to be close to God during the battle, witnessing Jesus slay the enemy with a sword, and asks God how to achieve this.
- A Jerusalem tour highlights the significance of the city for Palestinians, detailing the occupation and displacement policies by Israeli authorities, particularly in East Jerusalem.
- The wall in Jerusalem, not just for security but also for land control, has annexed significant Palestinian lands, leading to systematic confiscation of homes and strategic cooperation between Israeli authorities and settler organizations.
- Settler organizations, funded by sources like the United States, are actively displacing Palestinians from their homes in areas like Silwan, with plans for a Biblical theme park to justify uprooting Palestinians.
- Christian Zionism, exemplified by organizations like Christians United for Israel, promotes policies arming Israel, driving Palestinians out of Jerusalem, and potentially leading to conflict in the Middle East.
- The decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, with the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem, is celebrated by figures like Pastor John Hagee, emphasizing the city's significance.
- The narrative shifts to personal experiences of conflict and oppression faced by Palestinians, with a call for peace and restoration of hope, contrasting with the aggressive policies advocated by Christian fundamentalists.
