The framework for this webinar is that we find ourselves in a world that seems to be falling apart due to political division and corruption, economic instability, and lack of respect for international law. In today’s world, religious leaders make deals with political leaders and vice versa, for reciprocal benefit. The news on 13th April included the AI generated graphic of Donald Trump portraying himself as Jesus healing the sick. It came shortly after Trump criticised Pope Leo as “weak”.
The aim of this webinar was to help the audience understand how the United States has embraced Christian Zionism, which is an interpretation of selected Bible passages, and “end time” theology to justify what the US is doing in Israel and further afield.
Rev Dr Stephen Sizer explained that Christian Zionists believe that modern Israel is a continuation of Biblical Israel and therefore should enjoy special privileges. They declare that it is the responsibility of Christians to support the state of Israel and its policies. Stephen provided a summary of its historical development and then he went on to define the seven core beliefs of Christian Zionism and how to challenge them.
Stephen referred to his website where a more detailed document can be found entitled What is the Relationship between Israel and the Church? Seven Biblical Answers
Dr Michael Spath, speaking from within the US, addressed how Christian Zionism connects to Christian nationalism. People believe that God chose America to be a light unto the nations and with a manifest destiny that joins with Israel’s manifest destiny. There is also a secular Christian Zionism that is unifying Americans through a mixture of religious symbols, stories, rituals and US patriotism. Several contemporary examples were given, ending with Donald Trump’s belief that he has been chosen as the saviour to fight evil in today’s world.
Rev Dr Stephen Sizer was ordained into the Church of England. His thesis examined the historical roots, theological basis and political consequences of Christian Zionism in Britain and the USA from 1820. He is the author of Christian Zionism: Roadmap to Armageddon (IVP, 2004) and Zion’s Christian Soldiers: The Bible, Israel and the Church (IVP, 2007).
Stephen is the Chair of ICAHD UK. The slides he prepared for this webinar can be found on his website www.stephensizer.com.
Dr Michael Spath is the Executive Director of the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace. He is a member of the United Church of Christ Palestine / Israel Network.
Michael is the Co-Chair of ICAHD USA. To contact him and to enquire about the tours he provides, see the website for the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace - https://www.indianacmep.org/
For further reference see www.christianzionism.org