Christian Zionism
The term "Zionism" was first coined in the late nineteenth century, and referred to the movement for the return of the Jewish people to an assured and secure homeland in Palestine. Ironically, this vision was largely nurtured and shaped by Christians long before it received widespread Jewish support. The origins of "Christian Zionism" lie within nineteenth-century British premillennial sectarianism, but by the early twentieth century it had become a predominantly American dispensational...
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Foreword Preface Acknowledgments List of figuresIntroduction Zionism defined Christian Zionism defined The significance of the Christian Zionist movement A critique of Christian Zionism1.The historical roots of Christian Zionism The early intimations: proto-Christian Zionism The socio-political context for the rise of Christian Zionism The origins of covenantal premillennial restorationism in Britain The origins of dispensational Christian Zionism in Britain Lord Shaftesbury and the influence of restorationism upon British foreign policy British Christian political support for the Jewish Zionist movement The Balfour Declaration and the implementation of the Zionist vision Dispensationalism and the birth of Christian Zionism in America (1859 - 1945)\ Anti-Semitism and American liberal Christian Zionism (1918 - 1967)\ Contemporary American evangelical Christian Zionism (1967 - 2002)\ The proliferation and diversification of Christian Zionist organizations The historical roots of Christian Zionism: conclusions2.The theological emphases of Christian Zionism The Bible: a literal futurist hermeneutic Chosen peoples: the relationship between Israel and the church Restorationism: the return of the Jews to Zion Eretz Israel: reclaiming Judea, Samaria and beyond Jerusalem: the eternal and exclusive Jewish capital The temple: rebuilding for desecration The future: the eschatology of Christian Zionism The distinctive theology of Christian Zionism: conclusions3.The political implications of Christian Zionism The chosen people: supporting Israeli colonialism Restorationism: facilitating aliyah from Russia and Eastern Europe Eretz Israel: sustaining the West Bank settlements Jerusalem: lobbying for international recognition The temple: identifying with religious Zionism The future: opposing peace and hastening Armageddon The political implications of Christian Zionism: conclusions4. Conclusions Observations on the development of Christian Zionism Variant forms of Christian Zionism The constructive and destructive aspects of Christian Zionism A critical assessment of Christian Zionism Biblical Zionism: a covenantal alternative Glossary Bibliography Index of people Index of subjects Index of biblical references
\ Greg Brownfield"This is an excellent resource on one of the most important issues of our day. Everything from the introduction to the glossary is most helpful for anyone who wishes to understand the important spiritual and political implications of this powerful but largely unnoticed sect. In particular, Sizer's theology section is a startling eye-opener for Christians who put the Gospels at the heart of their faith."\ \ \ \ \ Norton Mezvinsky"In the past quarter-century, evangelical fundamentalist Christian Zionism has developed into a major theological movement and has made a significant political impact in the United States. Its effect upon the Arab-Israeli conflict continues to increase yearly. Unfortunately, many Christians and non-Christians possess little knowledge of this phenomenon. Stephen Sizer's book is without doubt the best and most comprehensive analysis to date about Christian Zionism; it deserves to be read seriously."\ \ \ Doctor"No Christian leader or layperson who is interested in biblical, theological or political matters related to the Middle East or to Israel's part in its future can afford not to read this volume."\ \ \ \ \ Don Wagner"Sizer's work on Christian Zionism is the most important and comprehensive on the subject to date, and should be read by all students of the Middle East and by Christians concerned about a just resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Christian Zionism raises vital theological and political challenges that must be addressed head-on by Christians in the West, particularly evangelicals. The impact of this terribly misguided movement is increasingly putting Christians in the Middle East at risk, and it seems a far cry from the witness and message of Jesus Christ."\ \ \ \ \ Bruce A. McDonald"Christian Zionism slices through some of the terribly muddy thinking regarding modern-day Israel and the last times which seems to characterize the majority of American evangelicalism. The author is to be congratulated on the clarity of presentation as well as the courage it takes to present it!"\ \ \ \ \ Nabeel T. Jabbour"When the lines are not clearly drawn and premillennialism is confused with Christian Zionism, the book Christian Zionism: Road-map to Armageddon? is essential reading. Stephen Sizer goes into the historical roots, the theological arguments and the political implications of Christian Zionism."\ \ \ \ \ Gilbert Bilezikian"Fantastic! I'm grateful for this book's advocacy of the church as the Bride, instead of Israel the bride and the bhurch the concubine."\ \ \ \ \ Doctor"If any book deserves the accolade of being the definitive critique of Christian Zionism, it is this. Popular, lucid and readable, this is a dispassionate and scholarly yet critical evaluation of the phenomenon."\ \ \ \ \ Reverend"I am glad to commend Stephen Sizer's groundbreaking critique of Christian Zionism. His comprehensive overview of its roots, its theological basis and its political consequences is very timely. I myself believe that Zionism, both political and Christian, is incompatible with biblical faith. Stephen's book has helped to reinforce this conviction."\ \ \ \ \ The Right Reverend"I commend Stephen Sizer's important and prophetic book in calling evangelical Christians, in particular, to break the spiral of violence and hatred. Instead we must obey the teachings of the Prince of Peace who has called us to a ministry of reconciliation rather than listen to the false prophets of Armageddon whose apocalyptic message is in danger of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy."\ \ \ \ \ Gary M. Burge"Sizer's book is essential reading for any Western evangelical trying to understand the religious dimensions of American support for Israel. He shows with exacting clarity how evangelical eschatology has now embedded itself in a modern political ideology. One quick read of this book will change anyone's perspective on the Middle East permanently."\ \ \ \ \ Garth Hewitt"Sizer's masterly overview of Christian Zionism opens our eyes to a theology that manipulates, oppresses and shows no dignity or justice to Jew or Palestinian. It is time for a theology that values all equally instead of one that sees God as biased."\ \ \ \ \ Colin Chapman"A masterly and highly readable analysis of the history, the world-view and the political implications of Christian Zionism. Sizer has thrown down the gauntlet in a way that demands a response from those who support the state of Israel for theological reasons."\ \
