“And, as usual, the Reformist ignores the distinction between expecting war and cheering it on.
I think Hal gets a lot wrong, but his critics do a lot worse.”
Actually, I believe DeMar is about the only partial preterist (or full preterist, for that matter) who makes the Esther connection to Zechariah. He makes some good points, but I think he’s probably alone in his opinion for good reason, as you’ve mentioned.
As far as Lindsey, he’s been wrong since his first book and he’s been revising his predictions ever since, along with the times. Still selling books, though, and making a fortune, no doubt.
And, yes, there are many Christians who are anxious for Armageddon, so much so that they actually want to see a rebuilt temple and are opposed to any and all peace agreements or two-state solutions concerning Israel.
Anxious for the Second Coming, perhaps, but that's a Biblical mandate.
Re: Opposition to peace agreements, that has more to do with the fact that Israel's enemies never seem to hold up their end of the bargain (with the exception of Egypt). When the Palestinians refuse to even honor the part about revising their manifesto to remove references to destroying Israel, which they agreed to at Oslo and Camp David, exactly what would be the basis for Israel bothering with any further peace talks or even considering any other concessions?
We're also against carving up Jerusalem. It is not for those who claim to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to hand over the city where God has put His Name to pagan enemies--and that's where I have to characterize the Muslims.