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The Many Faces of Christian Zionism
Times of Israel ^ | Oct 6, 2025 | Tim Orr

Posted on 10/10/2025 3:49:47 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege

Dispensational

Dispensational Zionism views the reestablishment of Israel in 1948 as a direct fulfillment of prophecy and a sign that history is approaching its climax.

This view carries significant risks. It can reduce Israel to a mere prophetic symbol, turning Jewish people into actors in a divine drama rather than covenant partners. It can also foster uncritical support, a tendency to view all of Israel’s policies as automatically justified. At its worst, eschatological zeal leads to fatalism: if conflict in the Middle East is “predicted,” then pursuing peace seems pointless. This instrumentalizes both Israel and its neighbors and risks excusing injustice in the name of prophecy.

Covenantal

Covenantal Zionism does not see Israel as beyond critique. Just as the prophets called ancient Israel to justice, humility, and faithfulness (Micah 6:8; Amos 5:21–24), Christians should do the same today. Israel’s calling is not merely to survive but to be “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6).

Restorationist

Restorationist Zionism is similar to covenantal theology, but it emphasizes the physical return of the Jewish people as an essential component of God’s redemptive plan, though not necessarily as a catalyst for apocalyptic occurrences…This view keeps the focus on God’s ongoing work with Israel rather than on geopolitical speculation.

Political and Pragmatic Zionism

Some Christians back Israel mostly for historical, moral, or political reasons… Israel’s democratic values, technological progress, and role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East warrant continued support. This view resonates strongly with those who emphasize justice and human rights.

However, pragmatic support can become shallow if it is detached from deeper theological convictions. It can also fail to address Israel’s spiritual calling.

(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.timesofisrael.com ...


TOPICS: Theology
KEYWORDS: bible; christianzionism; covenant; dispensationalism; israel; prophecy; zionism

1 posted on 10/10/2025 3:49:47 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

God is a zionist. Read the holy Bible.


2 posted on 10/10/2025 5:02:44 PM PDT by factmart ( )
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

I support Israel for moral and historical reasons and because it’s Western civilization’s outpost in the Middle East. However, being a Methodist, I don’t believe in holy physical objects or places, so I’m not a Christian Zionist.


3 posted on 10/10/2025 5:25:14 PM PDT by Fiji Hill
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

More pot stirring I see.


4 posted on 10/10/2025 6:11:23 PM PDT by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus….)
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To: factmart
Indeed He is.

Isaiah 2:1–4 (LSB) The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz beheld concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Now it will be that in the last days the mountain of the house of Yahweh Will be established as the head of the mountains, and will be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may instruct us from His ways and that we may walk in His paths.” For from Zion the law will go forth and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.

5 posted on 10/10/2025 6:17:14 PM PDT by Pres Raygun (Repent America!)
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To: factmart; metmom; Fiji Hill; Pres Raygun
A great many Jewish people find the Late Great Planet / Left Behind lore and hoopla highly offensive. Juvenile even. And rightfully so. To clear some of that hostility up, The Times of Israel kindly allows Christian contributors to lend non-toxic perspectives and clarification of the other, Biblically rooted prophetic frameworks held historically by the church through the ages towards Israel up till now.

But some TOI writers remain staunchly critical of the dispensational default that remains:

Christian Zionism presents a paradox: it outwardly supports Israel, yet reinforces antisemitic narratives by viewing Jews as mere instruments of prophecy rather than an autonomous people. Many Jewish leaders have mixed feelings about Christian Zionist support, recognizing that while it played a role in Israel’s creation, it ultimately seeks Jewish conversion and fulfillment of Christian eschatology.

As Christian Zionist influence continues to shape U.S. policy, it is crucial to expose the theological motivations behind this support—and the potential dangers it poses to Jewish sovereignty, Middle East diplomacy, and American democracy. - Ed Gaskin

6 posted on 10/10/2025 6:35:44 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

humm. again all the fancy multi-syllable words. but,

‘...the reestablishment of Israel in 1948 as a direct fulfillment of prophecy...’

nope, i don’t think so. but imho, it can certainly be taken as a sign that God has relented somewhat on His judgement of the House of Israel for killing His Son, Jesus, their Messiah. it can be taken as the beginning of preparation for God’s promise to regather His scattered people, though.

for this to be the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophesy for the restoration of Israel, the events must follow the Bible’s literal account of the event. namely the following must occur:

Ezekiel 37:

11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’
12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel.
13 And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people.
14 And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.”

this imho is the equivalent event for the Jews in OT Scripture (to the Church’s removal at the marriage to Christ in the NT) necessary for the restoration of of the house of Israel to Judah and Jerusalem (which clearly hasn’t happened yet).

imho, when the raising of ‘these bones’ happens. then you can be sure that Israel is back.


7 posted on 10/10/2025 6:36:11 PM PDT by dadfly
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To: sauropod

.


8 posted on 10/10/2025 7:34:00 PM PDT by sauropod
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

GOD is a big fan of Zion.

https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=zion&version=ESV

169 references to Zion in the Bible.


9 posted on 10/10/2025 9:10:19 PM PDT by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus….)
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To: metmom; factmart

“In your offspring ALL nations of the earth will be blessed.” - Genesis 22:18

“Look on us with favor. So that Your way may be known on earth; Your salvation among ALL nations.” - Psalm 67:1-2


10 posted on 10/10/2025 10:57:07 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

**Israel’s calling is not merely to survive but to be “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6).**

Poor interpretation. The nation of Israel, when Jesus Christ reigns on earth, will fit that description. But the context of Isaiah 49:6 is clearly speaking of the Son of God. As do verses 1 thru 10.

As far as the present physical nation of Israel, one would have to be ignorant to not realize that Satan (as always) seeks to control every angle: He is fine with anything that might disrupt prophecy, including destroying the seed of Jacob.

But Satan also is fine with encouraging a majority of the children of Israel to be just as sinful as Gentiles; seeking to place such people in powerful positions, as he does in Gentile nations.


11 posted on 10/11/2025 7:08:30 AM PDT by Zuriel (Acts 2:38,39....Do you believe it?)
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

What’s this ‘covenant partners’ nonsense?

The old covenant was made null and void by the new, thru Christ our Lord, His life and ultimate sacrifice.

This old testimenatarian stuff has got to go.


12 posted on 10/11/2025 7:42:25 AM PDT by BigJimSportCamper
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To: CondoleezzaProtege

Thus ignoring all the promises God made to Israel about restoring her as a nation.

Go ahead. Ignore Scripture and see where it gets you.


13 posted on 10/11/2025 10:34:59 AM PDT by metmom (He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus….)
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