Customer Reviews

Christian Zionism: Road-map to Armageddon?

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(4)

 

 

Sizer has written a thorough and very readable overview of the Christian Zionist movement. After an introduction which defines both Zionism and Christian Zionism, the book is broken into three sections:

The first explores the historical roots of Christian Zionism beginning with the "proto-Zionism" of the 1700's. I was particularly fascinated to learn about the role that the Napoleonic Wars played in the seeds of Christian Zionism. Sizer goes on to delineate the birth and development of Dispensationalism; which was initially viewed as a novel and peculiar form of eschatology but has become widespread in the U.S. over the last 200 years and has served as the springboard for the Christian Zionist movement. Sizer methodically traces the trajectory of Dispensationalism from Irving to Darby to Scofield to Lindsay (and points in-between) and does an excellent job of explaining the relationships between the various forms of Dispensationalism and Zionism.

The second section of the book explores the theology behind Christian Zionism. Sizer begins by explaining the "literal futurist hermeneutic" (in other words, method of study) which is the fountainhead from which Dispensationalism/Zionism springs. I thoroughly enjoyed this section of the book as Sizer examined Zionist theological views about the relationship between the Jewish people and the Christian church, the return of Jews to Israel, the status of Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, etc.

The third section looks at the political implications of Christian Zionism. This was the most sobering and chilling part of the book.

The book ends by setting forth a series of conclusions based on the material covered in the preceding sections.

Sizer's writing style is no-nonsense and free of hype. Although he is obviously a scholar and provides copious footnotes, the book is very accessable and at under 300 pages is a quick read.

I am a Christian who is actively involved in ministry and have gradually come to reject the "Left Behind" Dispensational theology that trickled down to me through the 700 Club, TBN, Calvary Chapel, etc. There are so many people that I wish I could get this book into the hands of and convince them to read it with an open mind and heart.

I have a fairly extensive library of Christian/theological books and this one will be located in a place where I can easily access it because I expect to be referencing it over and over again.

As I am writing this (1-5-06), the Rev. Pat Robertson has linked the grave disease of PM A. Sharon to the fact that Sharon tried to "divide" the Holy Land given, in Robertson's view, to the modern people of Israel exclusively.

Robertson is notorious for his Christian Zionist position that believes that the Old Testament promises of land to Israel still hold today. He is a "restorationist" who believes that the year 1948, when the modern nation of Israel was established in Palestine, is a rather important date in world history. Already when Y. Rabin was assassinated, Robertson saw "God's hand" involved there too.

Sizer, a student of Palestine and minister of the Church of England, does an excellent job in tracing the theological, historical, institutional, and political backgrounds of the likes of Robertson and J. Falwell. He also offers some helpful theological critique of the underlying theological views.

Astonishingly, "Christian Zionists" in Britain and especially America abound, ever since its tenets were popularized by the infamous Scofield Reference Bible. This is true not just for many an Evangelical congregation; various leading 20th-century British and American politicians have been sympathetic to this type of "philo-Judaism". In fact, as Sizer shows, the existence of the state of Israel today would be unthinkable without the inspiration and support of Christian Zionists in Britain and America.

All in all, Sizer's book is an important contribution to understanding the ongoing Near East conflict, as it sheds light on a area that usually does not make headline-news. Five stars are fully warranted.

A book I read this summer and which I would highly recommend is Stephen R. Sizer's Christian Zionism: Road-Map to Armageddon. Quite frankly, I couldn't put it down! It is a first-rate work of scholarship, one which examines the theology underlying Christian Zionism, while also putting it in a historical context. Thus, the book traces what is in fact a fairly recent theological development, one which very much subverts what was for the larger history of Christianity the conventional understanding of Biblical prophecy--one which saw it as something largely rooted in past events--through the use of what Sizer characterizes as an ultra-literal hermeneutic. The notion that the modern-day ingathering of the Jews in Palestine is something prophesied in Scripture only began to take form during the early-19th century, following the upheavals brought about by Napoleon's conquest of Europe. This development took place primarily in Britain. From a historical perspective then, the book provides some important insight concerning late-19th century British support for Zionism. By the 20th century, Christian Zionism found a foothold in the United States, and indeed, after tracing the movement's development in Britain during the 19th century, the book examines its growing popularity in America up through the present-day, likewise, the huge influence its proponents wield on American foreign policy.

It was very refreshing to see that others are finally picking up on something that I have been trying to explain to people about for years.

Sizer puts it in easy to understand terms and presents it very well. I will refer friends to Sizer's book now rather than try to explain these ideas to people from now on.

It is so hard to get people to open their minds to these truths after they have been bombarded for so many years by the sadly unscriptural beliefs of authors like Tim Lahaye and Hal Lindsey.

I thank you Stephen Sizer!

Timely, the best information I have read about the topic, and an excellent presentation of content!

"I wanted to congratulate you on your book ... Like yourself in one regard, I have a long history of what I call "prediction addiction" -- and its obvious flaws and failures. Your book seems to be a careful and much needed analysis of the destructive wake left by pre-millennial dispensationalism. Thank you! My particular version of dispensationalism was informed by a potent and lethal mixture of sabbatarianism and British Israelism as championed by Herbert W. Armstrong... God rescued me (and many others, thank God) from these heretical notions... What Dr. Sizer addresses is absolutely critical for Christians in North America to understand. Greg Albrecht, President of Plain Truth Ministries, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plain Truth magazine (author of Revelation Revolution & Bad News Religion).

"Nearly a thousand years ago, European Crusaders tried to colonise Palestine, fuelling religious hatred and bringing the indigenous Christian community close to extinction. It is tragic, if ironic, that misguided Western Christian Zionists, by their one-sided political support for Israel, are today succeeding where the Crusaders failed. Stephen Sizer's ground-breaking new book on Christian Zionism exposes how this heretical theology is having devastating political consequences in the Middle East. It is heartbreaking to see misguided Christians identifying more with Ahaband Jezebel than with Naboth. On a daily basis we are seeing our land confiscated, our vineyards destroyed, our homes demolished, our children traumatised and our future negated for the sake of an earthly kingdom which the Lord Jesus has plainly repudiated. I commend Stephen'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." The Right Revd Riah Abu El Assal, Retired Episcopal Bishop of Jerusalem (author of Caught in Between).

"I believe Stephen Sizer is one of the most authoritative scholars in the world on the vital issue of Christian Zionism. He is a very important voice speaking out against this destructive movement that is killing us [Palestinians] through its theology." Canon Naim Ateek, Founder & Director of Sabeel, Jerusalem (author of Justice and Only Justice).

"I hope it will spread widely in evangelical circles and I am particularly glad that IVP have published it, thereby endorsing our judgment. [Christian Zionism] is an ultimately totally unbiblical menace." Right Revd Simon Barrington-Ward, retired Bishop of Coventry and former Principal of Crowther Hall, Selly Oak Colleges and General Secretary of the Church Mission Society. Presently Chaplain to the staff of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. (author of Love Will Out, Why God?, The Jesus Prayer and co-author of Praying the Jesus Prayer)

"Having heard Stephen Sizer at the Sabeel International Conference in Jerusalem a year and a half ago, I can vouch for him as an articulate and vigorous speaker, and an expert on Christian Zionism." Right Revd Allen Bartlett, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Washington.

"I think your book is fantastic... I'm grateful for your advocacy of the Church as the Bride... This is a large book, as well it should be, since it addresses a large issue. At stake in the argument is the very definition of the identity of the Church. Some theologies, that make Israel central to the purposes of God and to the processes of history, reduce the Church to the status of concubine while Israel becomes the Bride. Sizer's work provides a timely reminder that, according to the New Testament, God's people is to be identified on the basis of grace, not of race." Professor Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College and founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Illinois, (author of The Liberated Gospel, Beyond Sex Roles, Christianity 101 and Community 101)

"Sizer's well-researched study is of considerable value... Christian Zionism unearths the taproot of a belief system that exerts enormous influence in contemporary America. Based on supposedly infallible sacred texts, these beliefs help determine how millions of Americans, and millions more worldwide, view the bloody and seemingly insoluble conflicts that torment the Middle East, bringing such suffering and heartache to its peoples." Professor Paul Boyer, Merle Curti Professor of History Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison (editor-in-chief of the Oxford Companion to American History, author of Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft, Urban Masses and Moral Order in America, 1820-1920, By the Bomb's Early Light: American Thought and Culture at the Dawn of the Atomic Age, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in Modern American Culture, Fallout: A Historian Reflects on America's Half-Century Encounter With Nuclear Weapons)

"Stephen Sizer has written a masterly book on a controversial subject. Some of us have soaked up teaching about Christian Zionism from the footnotes of a Schofield Reference Bible or from Hal Lindsey's bestseller The Late Great Planet Earth, or from the leaders of certain Christian tours to Israel. Probably we have read very little that critically examines its basic assumptions. Sizer sets out to evaluate Christian Zionism critically from a biblical and historical perspective... Sizer's clear thinking, scholarly and reverent critique of Christian Zionism certainly needs to be read alongside the Scriptures, with the utmost seriousness." Canon Gordon Bridger, former Principal of Oak Hill College, 1987-96, (author of The Man from Outside, A Day that Changed the World, Bible Study Commentary 1 Corinthians-Galatians).

"Stephen Sizer's Christian Zionism : Road Map to Armageddon? is essential reading for any western evangelical trying to understand the religious dimensions of American support for Israel. Sizer writes as an insider within the church, not as a critic watching from afar. And 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." Professor Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College & Graduate School, Wheaton (author of Whose Land, Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians).

"A comprehensive survey describing how Christians have embraced a theological perspective that has encouraged justice for Jews but has also led to the oppression of Palestinian people and extreme hostility between Christians and Muslims worldwide." Professor Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University (My Top 5 Books on Social Justice, Christianity Today, January 2008 and author Speaking My Mind, The God of Intimacy and Action, Adventures in Missing the Point, Letters to a Young Evangelical, Twenty Hot Potatoes Christians Are Afraid to Touch, Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God, Let me Tell You a Story, Carpe Diem, How Movies Helped Save My Soul, Its Friday But Sunday's Comin, Fifty Ways You Can Help Save the Planet, The Gospel With Extra Salt)

"It is very timely and ... a serious work on what is such a very troubling and troublesome issue for the Christians of the Holy Land as well as world wide." Right Revd Elias Chacour, Greek Melkite Bishop of Israel and founder of the Mar Elias Educational Institutions, Ibillin, Galilee (author of Blood Brothers & We Belong to the Land).

"This is 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." Colin Chapman, Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology, Lebanon. (author of Whose Promised Land?, Whose Promised City? & Cross and Crescent).

"The invaluable contribution of Stephen Sizer's book, Christian Zionism, is that he discusses in detail a lesser-acknowledged kind of Zionism, one that, he claims, predated political Zionism by 60 years (p. 254). Sizer, chairman of the International Bible Society in England, reveals a Christian Zionism that, for its own distinctly theological reasons, supports Israel's occupation of Palestinian land. Mark Chmiel, Adjunct professor of Theological Studies at St. Louis University and of Religious Studies at Webster University. (author of Elie Wiesel and the Politics of Moral Leadership)

"I recommend the book wholeheartedly. It is timely, and really vital, in view of the present attitude of both U.S. and British governments to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It demonstrates how a firm principle of Christian hope has been distorted and misapplied in a cruel and destructive manner. Until the Christian attitude to Zionism is changed, I fear that the situation will continue to deteriorate and that those evangelicals who have embraced Zionism will continue to do immense damage to the Christian Church. I think it is a "must read" book for every serious evangelical today." Professor Ron Clements, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies, King's College, London, (author of Wisdom for a Changing World: Wisdom in Old Testament Theology: Berkeley Tanner Lectures; Old Testament Theology: A Fresh Approach, Isaiah 1-13: The New Century Bible Commentary, Wisdom in Theology, Ezekiel: Westminster Bible Companion, Prophecy and Tradition, One Hundred Years of Old Testament Interpretation).

"This study of Christian Zionism, based on Stephen Sizer's doctoral thesis, is of seminal significance. It provides a fascinating survey of the history of Christian Zionism and an indepth analysis of the theology of this highly important and influential movement." Rabbi Professor Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Professor of Judaism and Director of the Centre for the Study of the World's Religions, University of Wales, Lampeter. (author of Israel: The History of an Idea, Messianic Judaism & Antisemitism).

Dr. Stephen Sizer has clearly revealed the truth on this volatile issue. Realizing "truth" is often "subjective," (according to some) but his reasoning is precise and needs to be considered. In addition, with Dr. John Stott's endorsement and approval, should cause one to take notice.

Even though I read this book a couple of years ago, I felt compelled to write a review after re-examining it recently. The book is simply outstanding! All I can say is, "It's about time!" The table of contents are as follows: Introduction, The historical roots of Christian Zionism, The theological emphases of Christian Zionism, The political implications of Christian Zionism, and Conclusions.

Dr. Sizer is not shy and takes on some of the biggest names in modern times, viz., Lindsey, LaHaye, Falwell, Hagee, Adrian Rogers, and numerous others. It has been their insistence that the "land promise" has not been fulfilled and/or modern-day Israel is "so special in God's eyes" that the United States (and other countries) would do well to "support Israel" in every way possible. But is this true? Joshua 21:43-45 and Joshua 23:14 specifically states in no uncertain terms that the "land promise" was indeed fulfilled. How could Joshua have made it more clear?

Nevertheless, many living today still believe that the State of Israel is owed something, e.g., the land promise, financial support, even military support, etc. But is this true? Is it biblical? And perhaps the worst is the political and military support. Why? (This will be revealed a bit later.) But Dr. Sizer states, "Christian Zionism has profound political consequences." (see p. 206). The entire chapter (pp. 206-253) is brilliant and concludes with a summary of six basic theological convictions that arise from their literal and futurist reading of the Bible, (p. 252). And as if to say, "Just in case you believe that I am painting everyone with the same brush" he states, "Clearly, not all Christian Zionists embrace each of these six tenents" (p. 253). And concludes the chapter with this wise observation:

"Nevertheless, as has been argued, the overall consequences of such uncritical support for the State of Israel, especially among American evangelicals who identify with Christian Zionism in larger numbers than in Britain, are inherently and pathologically destructive." (p. 253).

Further, "As a result, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), representing the indigenous and ancient Oriental and Eastern Churches, regards Christian Zionism as a deviant heresy. It asserts.....that Christian Zionists have aggressively imposed an abberrant expression of the Christian faith and an erroneous interpretation of the Bible which is subservient to the political agenda of the modern State of Israel." (p. 259). And in the words of Dr. John Stott, this is "biblically anathema." Dr. Sizer writes on p. 22, "The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), drawing together the historic as well as evangelical churches of the Holy Land, rejects Christian Zionism 'as representing a heretical interpretation of Holy Scripture', while John Stott has described it as 'biblically anathema.'" (see also p. 261).

What are the consequences? And this is crucial point mentioned above, Dr. D. S. Russell pointed out years ago (in his 1978 book, Apocalyptic: Ancient and Modern), he writes:

"One rather frightening by-product of this process of interpretation is that it is so easy to 'create' the very situation which is being described so that the interpretation given brings about its own fulfillment. Russia, for example, is to be destroyed by nuclear attack--and scripture must be fulfilled! It needs little imagination to understand the consequences of such a belief, especially if held with deep conviction by politicians and the military who have the power to press the button and to execute the judgment thus prophesied and foreordained." (p. 64).

Now that is indeed frightening! I could write on and on, and I'm confident that there will be others who disagree with me and that's okay, this is America, but one must keep in mind in interpreting the precious Word of God, one must do their best to really "know" what God wants for our world and yes, Israel (and other countries as well). In a nutshell, it's simply this: Jesus died for everyone's sins and therefore, all countries (and people) are precious in God's eyes and not just "Israel." Israel today no more stands in favor with God than people in China, America, England, South America, Africa, Australia, or any other country! The point is simple: God proved His love by the "Cross of Christ!"

If one wishes to read further on this issue, I would recommend: Last Days Madness: Obsession of the Modern Church by Dr. Gary DeMar; Doomsday Delusions: What's Wrong with Predictions About the End of the World, by Dr. C. Marvin Pate and Dr. Calvin B. Haines; IRAQ--Babylon of the End-Times? by Dr. C. Marvin Pate and Dr. J. Daniel Hays; and When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in Modern American Culture by Dr. Paul Boyer.

There ARE a few people left who are willing to speak truth to power and Dr. Sizer is certainly one of them. This book traces the history of Zionism from its secular Jewish roots to its politics in modern times. Sizer also examines the Christian theology that was born in Britain in the early 1800s and flourished in the US which was key in bringing about the birth of the nation of Israel. I found this book to be incredibly fair and just from a very learned writer. Take the time to read this; you will come away enlightened.

Stephen is brilliant. He goes deep into the philosophy and the influence of some very mislead, dark, cultlike forces that are affecting our foreign policy. This is an important book that all should read and get up to date on. I am looking forward to his next book- "Christian Zionist Soldiers".

Christian Zionism is more than doctrinal error: it is a deception growing out of control in American Christianity. Yet Sizer is not this blunt. He is even-handed and approaches the subject with a scholarly tone discussing historical roots, theological emphases, and political implications. It's time to wake up Christians who have been suckered into the pseudo-Christian cult of Dispensationalism. See also works by the late John Gerstner.