Is Evangelical support for Israel really unequivocal? - opinion

Key Findings:

The phenomenon of Evangelical Christian Zionism and its support for Israel is complex, multifaceted, and defies simplistic assumptions. In 2021, former Israeli ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer emphasized prioritizing Evangelical Christian support over that of American Jews, due to its perceived passion and unwavering nature. 

However, recent surveys challenge the notion of unequivocal Evangelical backing. A University of North Carolina survey revealed a decline in support for Israel among young Evangelicals from 75% in 2018 to 34% in 2021, following a trend that began in 2015. The World Evangelical Alliance, comprising global Evangelical churches, holds positions that some Israelis view as anti-Israel. 

The author maintains that many observers, including politicians, do not fully understand the nature of the Christian relationship to Jews and Israel. Perceptions are often influenced by stereotypes and biases commonly attributed to religious groups. This is particularly true for populations labeled as fundamentalist, who are frequently seen by educated and secular individuals as inflexible and unresponsive to evidence or logical reasoning. Evangelical support for Israel is commonly perceived as unwavering due to assumptions that it is rooted in these rigid and irrational beliefs.

The intricate relationship between Christianity and Judaism, marked by ambivalence due to Christianity's origins in Judaism yet its competitive nature with Judaism, in fact underpins both support and criticism of Israel among Christians. This ambivalence manifests across a spectrum, encompassing antisemites, Israel opponents, and pro-Israel groups.

Evangelical support for Israel exhibits diversity, comprising those influenced by apocalyptic narratives and those re-evaluating the Christian-Jewish relationship. End of Days narratives rooted in premillennial dispensationalism depict a role for Jews in the Second Coming of Jesus, tying Evangelical support to familiar eschatological beliefs. However, this support can be fragile and may waver when confronted with alternative narratives, such as the Palestinian perspective.

The more steadfast Evangelical support stems from organizations like Eagles Wings Ministry and Christians United for Israel, challenging replacement theology that posits the Church as replacing Jews as recipients of God's blessing. Such groups regard the Jewish people as still chosen and blessed, irrespective of their conversion to Christianity.

Effective policy addressing Evangelical support for Israel necessitates a nuanced understanding of its layers. The multi-dimensional nature of this support requires careful cultivation and nurturing, as it cannot be assumed or taken for granted. Clarifying these intricacies is essential for formulating strategies that engage and maintain Evangelical backing for Israel.