Many Bible-believing Christians are convinced that God blesses those nations that stand with Israel and curses those that don't. This belief has had a significant influence on attitudes toward the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the Middle East. Claims made in books like The Scofield Reference Bible and Hal Lindsey's The Late Great Planet Earth have fed into contemporary Christian Zionism, with radical implications for how we view our faith and the world in which we life. Stephen Sizer contends that this view is based on misinterpretation of the Bible. He provides an introduction to Christian Zionism and a clear response and positive alternative based on a careful study of relevant biblical texts. This clear, straightforward volume includes tables and diagrams, questions for Bible study and further reflection, and a glossary of terms. It concludes with a previously unpublished sermon by John Stott titled "The Place of Israel." Here Sizer offers encouragement for readers to dialogue on the relationship between Israel and the Christian church and a more constructive view of the future and our role in it.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Sizer hits another home run! His treatment of the kingdom of God as both present and transcendent points the believer to the future--not the past." (Dr. Stan Moody, Baptist minister and founder of the Christian Policy Institute, www.christianpolicyinstitute.org )
"Thank God, at last here comes a book that challenges the pseudotheology that, by giving precedence to the old covenant over the new, relegates the church to the status of concubine in order to make Israel the bride of Christ. In clear and measured terms, the author demonstrates from Scripture that God's purposes for history are not driven by a narrowly selective racist obsession, but rather by his eternal design to create the church, the new community dearly secured through the cross for all Christ-followers, both Jews and Gentiles." (Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College, and a founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Illinois )
"In this very readable new work, Anglican vicar Stephen Sizer offers a biblically based interpretation of the relationship of Israel and the Christian church. Turning to the current upsurge of Christian Zionism, Sizer examines its deeply flawed misreadings of key biblical texts and its troubling public-policy implications. Not only Sizer's fellow evangelicals, but everyone interested in this vital topic, will find Zion's Christian Soldiers? an illuminating and highly valuable study." (Paul S. Boyer, James Pinckney Harrison Visiting Professor, William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, and editor-in-chief, The Oxford Companion to American History )
"Few themes in biblical studies could be as important. Christian Zionism has brought to the church an interpretation of Israel and the Bible that future generations will criticize harshly. It is every Christian's obligation to understand what they are saying and how it should be evaluated. Writing in a style that is accessible to everyone--and with a passion that is sure to ignite strong responses--Sizer outlines the landscape of the problem and its solution." (Gary M. Burge, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School )
"Stephen Sizer deftly exposes the many exegetical missteps of contemporary Christian Zionists. He advocates a more just and Christ-centered alternative to the politically and ethically problematic views espoused by many contemporary end-times popularizers. I hope this book prompts a courageous and healthy rethinking of Zionist theology toward a more constructive, biblical perspective." (Dr. Paul Copan, Associate Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida )
"This work deals expertly with a vital theme. For this Christian zealotry perverts the truth of Christ in three tragic ways. It ignores or repudiates the equal stature under God of all peoples in nature and in grace; it flouts a Christian conscience by discounting injustice and oppression; and it sees no Christian ministry to the hope and pleas of original Zionism itself. Thus, it darkly violates both Christian sympathy and Christian faith." (The Right Reverend Kenneth Cragg, retired assistant bishop in Jerusalem )
"In this seminal work based on a careful analysis of how the Bible explains the relationship between Israel and the church, Stephen Sizer underscores crucial distinctions between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. Just as it is a grievous sin to turn a blind eye to the horrors of anti-Semitism, so it is a grievous sin to turn a blind eye to a Zionist theology that divides people on the basis of race rather than uniting them on the basis of righteousness, justice and equity." (Hank Hanegraaff, president, Christian Research Institute, and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast )
"A workmanlike study that confronts many treasured and traditional opinions with frankness and sensitivity. An added bonus is the Stott sermon, hitherto unpublished, a masterpiece of clarity in an area marked too often by confusion and unjustified assertions." (Dick Lucas, chairman, Proclamation Trust, and rector, St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, London )
"How should Christians respond to the cascade of prophecy literature flowing from the pens of Hal Lindsey, John Walvoord, Tim LaHaye, John Hagee and others, who claim the Bible itself as authorization for Christian Zionism in all its forms and goals? Probably it is high time to stop regarding their overliteral misinterpretations as the curiosities they are and awaken to the fact that they are also very dangerous misreadings of prophecy passages in Scripture, which could lead to catastrophic conflict in the Near East. To help Christians become the peacemakers they ought to be, rather than firebrands inflaming the world with wrongheaded ideas about the end times, Stephen Sizer's new book Zion's Christian Soldiers? is an ever-so-necessary antidote to the present prophecy mania. With crystal logic and gifted pen, he dismantles the often-grotesque claims made by prophecy specialists and restores sanity to the discussion." (Paul L. Maier, Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History, Western Michigan University, and vice president, Lutheran Church Missouri synod )
"Zion's Christian Soldiers? ought to be on the required reading list for all students of the Bible. Here is basic and fundamental methodology that challenges many evangelical assumptions about 'end-times prophecy.' Here is a sound-minded, Christ-centered critique of a popularly accepted, but nonetheless fatally flawed, perspective that leads to many spiritual dysfunctions. If you find yourself troubled by saber-rattling political rhetoric coming from many pulpits, Zion's Christian Soldiers? will reacquaint you with the Prince of Peace." (Greg Albrecht, President, Plain Truth Ministries, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plain Truth magazine )
"Stephen Sizer's book Zion's Christian Soldiers? is a powerful, easily readable, theological refutation of Christian Zionism. In his analysis, Sizer destroys the major arguments of Christian Zionist advocates by primarily citing and interpreting Old and New Testament passages. Although especially valuable reading for evangelical Christians, this book deserves careful study by all people interested in the role played by religion in the Arab-Israeli conflict." (Norton Mezvinsky, professor of history, Central Connecticut State University )
"Stephen is a faithful minister of the Bible where it concerns Bible prophecy and the modern nation-state of Israel. I remember that when I began studying the second intifada in 2001, finding Stephen's website was like finding buried treasure! . . . . Zion's Christian Soldiers? will offer simple and straightforward answers to the major assertions of noted Christian Zionist leaders from a thoroughly evangelical reading of the Bible. Sizer carefully engages American popular figures such as Hal Lindsey and John Hagee, who are influencing millions of evangelicals into doomsday celebrations. He unpacks in patient detail the heart of the Scriptures that Christian Zionists ignore. I am so very thankful for this kindly teacher. In a day and age in which cynicism, hate, impatient rhetoric and stewing resentment mark our conversations on this topic, Stephen Sizer is able to speak the simple truth. Would to God that many hear and receive this very timely message." (Chris Rice, writer and editor, Jesus People USA, Chicago )
"There was a time when Christians believed that the earth was the center of the universe. It was not only an error in science but also false church doctrine lasting long after Copernicus and grasping the hearts and minds of Christian literalists who sanctioned punishment and even death for proponents of a larger view of faith and the universe. The history of Christianity is not lacking in false ideas that enjoy popularity for a time then fade under pressure of reason, knowledge and experience. Rev. Sizer exposes a modern version of serious religious error in Zion's Christian Soldiers? focusing on the tenets of a dangerous biblical liberalism whose vision of God is nationalistic in its bizarre loyalty to the Jewish State of Israel and militaristic in its enthusiastic anticipation of a literal Armageddon. This is an important book for theologians and peacemakers." (The Rev. Canon Richard K. Toll, chair, Friends of Sabeel--North America )
"A timely and important book. Controversial but persuasive, it deserves to be read by everyone who is prepared to think afresh about God's purposes for the church, Israel and the politics of the Middle East." (Dr. Stephen Travis, former vice principal, St. John's College, Nottingham )
"Stephen Sizer's thorough research, theological analysis and historical contextualization make this volume the 'go to' book on the topic of Christian Zionism. As Christian Zionism continues to grow within Western evangelical churches and parachurch agencies, we are reminded that it is now a significant political force in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East. Additionally, its global reach through satellite broadcasting and the Internet adds another significant challenge to Christian missions. Now the gospel of Jesus Christ is represented in a militant, Crusade, Western Zionist construction that is not only hostile to Muslims and Arabs, but is an utter contradiction to the message of love, reconciliation, and good news to the poor and marginalized, whatever their economic status, political orientation, race or creed. After studying this volume and utilizing resources at www.christianzionism.org, you will be better equipped to challenge the false gospel of Christian Zionism." (Don Wagner, professor of religion and Middle Eastern studies, executive director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and director of The Institute for Christianity, Faith and Culture, North Park University, Chicago )
"This book is an eye-opener to the muddled but militant attitudes among modern evangelicals (particularly Americans) toward the State of Israel. Sizer reveals not only the highly questionable exegeses of Christian Zionism, but also the movement's alarming political agenda and its fallout in our war-torn world. This is a book that every thoughtful evangelical should read." (Bruce A. McDonald, assistant professor of religion, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas )
"Thank God, at last here comes a book that challenges the pseudotheology that, by giving precedence to the old covenant over the new, relegates the church to the status of concubine in order to make Israel the bride of Christ. In clear and measured terms, the author demonstrates from Scripture that God's purposes for history are not driven by a narrowly selective racist obsession, but rather by his eternal design to create the church, the new community dearly secured through the cross for all Christ-followers, both Jews and Gentiles." (Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College, and a founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Illinois )
"In this very readable new work, Anglican vicar Stephen Sizer offers a biblically based interpretation of the relationship of Israel and the Christian church. Turning to the current upsurge of Christian Zionism, Sizer examines its deeply flawed misreadings of key biblical texts and its troubling public-policy implications. Not only Sizer's fellow evangelicals, but everyone interested in this vital topic, will find Zion's Christian Soldiers? an illuminating and highly valuable study." (Paul S. Boyer, James Pinckney Harrison Visiting Professor, William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, and editor-in-chief, The Oxford Companion to American History )
"Few themes in biblical studies could be as important. Christian Zionism has brought to the church an interpretation of Israel and the Bible that future generations will criticize harshly. It is every Christian's obligation to understand what they are saying and how it should be evaluated. Writing in a style that is accessible to everyone--and with a passion that is sure to ignite strong responses--Sizer outlines the landscape of the problem and its solution." (Gary M. Burge, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School )
"Stephen Sizer deftly exposes the many exegetical missteps of contemporary Christian Zionists. He advocates a more just and Christ-centered alternative to the politically and ethically problematic views espoused by many contemporary end-times popularizers. I hope this book prompts a courageous and healthy rethinking of Zionist theology toward a more constructive, biblical perspective." (Dr. Paul Copan, Associate Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida )
"This work deals expertly with a vital theme. For this Christian zealotry perverts the truth of Christ in three tragic ways. It ignores or repudiates the equal stature under God of all peoples in nature and in grace; it flouts a Christian conscience by discounting injustice and oppression; and it sees no Christian ministry to the hope and pleas of original Zionism itself. Thus, it darkly violates both Christian sympathy and Christian faith." (The Right Reverend Kenneth Cragg, retired assistant bishop in Jerusalem )
"In this seminal work based on a careful analysis of how the Bible explains the relationship between Israel and the church, Stephen Sizer underscores crucial distinctions between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. Just as it is a grievous sin to turn a blind eye to the horrors of anti-Semitism, so it is a grievous sin to turn a blind eye to a Zionist theology that divides people on the basis of race rather than uniting them on the basis of righteousness, justice and equity." (Hank Hanegraaff, president, Christian Research Institute, and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast )
"A workmanlike study that confronts many treasured and traditional opinions with frankness and sensitivity. An added bonus is the Stott sermon, hitherto unpublished, a masterpiece of clarity in an area marked too often by confusion and unjustified assertions." (Dick Lucas, chairman, Proclamation Trust, and rector, St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, London )
"How should Christians respond to the cascade of prophecy literature flowing from the pens of Hal Lindsey, John Walvoord, Tim LaHaye, John Hagee and others, who claim the Bible itself as authorization for Christian Zionism in all its forms and goals? Probably it is high time to stop regarding their overliteral misinterpretations as the curiosities they are and awaken to the fact that they are also very dangerous misreadings of prophecy passages in Scripture, which could lead to catastrophic conflict in the Near East. To help Christians become the peacemakers they ought to be, rather than firebrands inflaming the world with wrongheaded ideas about the end times, Stephen Sizer's new book Zion's Christian Soldiers? is an ever-so-necessary antidote to the present prophecy mania. With crystal logic and gifted pen, he dismantles the often-grotesque claims made by prophecy specialists and restores sanity to the discussion." (Paul L. Maier, Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History, Western Michigan University, and vice president, Lutheran Church Missouri synod )
"Zion's Christian Soldiers? ought to be on the required reading list for all students of the Bible. Here is basic and fundamental methodology that challenges many evangelical assumptions about 'end-times prophecy.' Here is a sound-minded, Christ-centered critique of a popularly accepted, but nonetheless fatally flawed, perspective that leads to many spiritual dysfunctions. If you find yourself troubled by saber-rattling political rhetoric coming from many pulpits, Zion's Christian Soldiers? will reacquaint you with the Prince of Peace." (Greg Albrecht, President, Plain Truth Ministries, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plain Truth magazine )
"Stephen Sizer's book Zion's Christian Soldiers? is a powerful, easily readable, theological refutation of Christian Zionism. In his analysis, Sizer destroys the major arguments of Christian Zionist advocates by primarily citing and interpreting Old and New Testament passages. Although especially valuable reading for evangelical Christians, this book deserves careful study by all people interested in the role played by religion in the Arab-Israeli conflict." (Norton Mezvinsky, professor of history, Central Connecticut State University )
"Stephen is a faithful minister of the Bible where it concerns Bible prophecy and the modern nation-state of Israel. I remember that when I began studying the second intifada in 2001, finding Stephen's website was like finding buried treasure! . . . . Zion's Christian Soldiers? will offer simple and straightforward answers to the major assertions of noted Christian Zionist leaders from a thoroughly evangelical reading of the Bible. Sizer carefully engages American popular figures such as Hal Lindsey and John Hagee, who are influencing millions of evangelicals into doomsday celebrations. He unpacks in patient detail the heart of the Scriptures that Christian Zionists ignore. I am so very thankful for this kindly teacher. In a day and age in which cynicism, hate, impatient rhetoric and stewing resentment mark our conversations on this topic, Stephen Sizer is able to speak the simple truth. Would to God that many hear and receive this very timely message." (Chris Rice, writer and editor, Jesus People USA, Chicago )
"There was a time when Christians believed that the earth was the center of the universe. It was not only an error in science but also false church doctrine lasting long after Copernicus and grasping the hearts and minds of Christian literalists who sanctioned punishment and even death for proponents of a larger view of faith and the universe. The history of Christianity is not lacking in false ideas that enjoy popularity for a time then fade under pressure of reason, knowledge and experience. Rev. Sizer exposes a modern version of serious religious error in Zion's Christian Soldiers? focusing on the tenets of a dangerous biblical liberalism whose vision of God is nationalistic in its bizarre loyalty to the Jewish State of Israel and militaristic in its enthusiastic anticipation of a literal Armageddon. This is an important book for theologians and peacemakers." (The Rev. Canon Richard K. Toll, chair, Friends of Sabeel--North America )
"A timely and important book. Controversial but persuasive, it deserves to be read by everyone who is prepared to think afresh about God's purposes for the church, Israel and the politics of the Middle East." (Dr. Stephen Travis, former vice principal, St. John's College, Nottingham )
"Stephen Sizer's thorough research, theological analysis and historical contextualization make this volume the 'go to' book on the topic of Christian Zionism. As Christian Zionism continues to grow within Western evangelical churches and parachurch agencies, we are reminded that it is now a significant political force in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East. Additionally, its global reach through satellite broadcasting and the Internet adds another significant challenge to Christian missions. Now the gospel of Jesus Christ is represented in a militant, Crusade, Western Zionist construction that is not only hostile to Muslims and Arabs, but is an utter contradiction to the message of love, reconciliation, and good news to the poor and marginalized, whatever their economic status, political orientation, race or creed. After studying this volume and utilizing resources at www.christianzionism.org, you will be better equipped to challenge the false gospel of Christian Zionism." (Don Wagner, professor of religion and Middle Eastern studies, executive director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and director of The Institute for Christianity, Faith and Culture, North Park University, Chicago )
"This book is an eye-opener to the muddled but militant attitudes among modern evangelicals (particularly Americans) toward the State of Israel. Sizer reveals not only the highly questionable exegeses of Christian Zionism, but also the movement's alarming political agenda and its fallout in our war-torn world. This is a book that every thoughtful evangelical should read." (Bruce A. McDonald, assistant professor of religion, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas )
Review
"Thank God, at last here comes a book that challenges the pseudotheology that, by giving precedence to the old covenant over the new, relegates the church to the status of concubine in order to make Israel the bride of Christ. In clear and measured terms, the author demonstrates from Scripture that God's purposes for history are not driven by a narrowly selective racist obsession, but rather by his eternal design to create the church, the new community dearly secured through the cross for all Christ-followers, both Jews and Gentiles."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Important considerations,
By Jody Fernando "J. Fernando" (Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Zion's Christian Soldiers?: The Bible, Israel and the Church (Paperback)
I have frequently shied away from the topic of Israel for a variety of reasons.
1) Its highly controversial among Christians, particularly in the US 2) I'm embarrassed by The Left Behind books 3) I'm not a theologian or eschatologist and the issues seem highly complex However, as I continue to ponder the implications of the unquestioned support of Israel as a means of justifying war in the Middle East, I grow disturbed at the implications for global Christians. Enter: Zion's Christian Soldiers by Stephen Sizer. In his book, Sizer addresses the claims of Christian Zionism and its ties to the conservative religious right. He claims, "It is time to speak out because Christian Zionism has become a formidable and dangerous movement. By portraying the modern state of Israel as God's chosen people on earth, the role of the church has been reduced in the eyes of many to providing moral and biblical justification for Israel's colonization of Palestine. Those who oppose her are demonized. While not all Christian Zionists endorse the apocalyptic views of Hal Lindsey and Tim LaHaye, the movement as a whole is nevertheless leading the West, and the church with it, into a confrontation with Islam. Using biblical terminology to justify a pre-emptive global war against the `axis of evil' merely reinforces stereotypes, fuels extremism, incites fundamentalism and increases the likelihood of nuclear war." Sizer then spends the next six chapters delving into the details of what the Bible says about literalism, Israel, the Promised Land, Jerusalem, the temple, and Armageddon. At times, I found his arguments a bit difficult to follow (more likely due to issues in my brain, not his), and the charts slightly difficult to understand given my lack of theological training and the complexity of the topic. In spite of my own inability to understand, for those interested in examining an alternative perspective to Christian Zionism, his work is well researched, supported and organized. As a global Christian, the issues brought up in Sizer's book stir significant concern within. He asks difficult questions regarding US foreign policy: * Is the way we view Israel and the church assisting or hindering God's plan? * Are we `doing justice and loving mercy' in the Middle East, or are we exacerbating tensions? * Are we walking in the way of peace or are we hindering reconciliation between Arabs and Israelis? He ultimately claims that Christian Zionism is: "an exclusive theology driving a political agenda which elevates one nation over others, rather than an inclusive theology centered on Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. In its worst forms, Christian Zionism uses the Bible to justify racial superiority, land expropriation, home demolitions, population transfer, colonial settlements, the denial of international law, and the dehumanization of Arabs. It fuels not only Islamophobia but also anti-Semitism and Islamist retaliation against Christians." Strong statements to be sure. I'm a bit of a newbie to this discussion, so I'd love some comments on this. Sizer's claims resonate strongly with me and strike chords of deep discomfort I've had all along watching US foreign policy in the Middle East. It was a relief to read a perspective which stands against to the prevailing American Christian views.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stephen Sizer takes on John Hagee and Hal Lindsey!,
By
This review is from: Zion's Christian Soldiers? (Paperback)
This book is a must read for anyone that's been raised on "Left Behind Theology" and is having a hard time with the militarism that often accompanies it. I met Stephen Sizer a couple of years ago at the annual Cornerstone Music Festival. At the festival, Sizer gave a workshop entitled "I Left Rapture Theology Behind." I remember that Sizer's workshop was one of the most popular ones that year. Sizer specifically said that one of the reasons he wrote this book is because he saw that the Bible has been twisted to justify colonialism and oppression against the Palestinian people. In this book, Sizer does an excellent job debunking the ways popular authors like Hal Lindsey and John Hagee misuse Old Testament prophecy scriptures to wage an all-out war on Palestinian land rights today. What follows is a common-sense systematic theology that does justice to both the Old and New Testaments and what they say about the relationship between the Church and Israel. The greatest insight in the book for me was what Sizer calls the "achilles heel of ultra literalism." You'll have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about.
Aaron D. Taylor, author of Alone with A Jihadist: A Biblical Response To Holy War
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theology for the Everyman,
By Darya Design "Darya" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Zion's Christian Soldiers? (Paperback)
This is a great follow up to Sizer's previous bookChristian Zionism: Road-Map to Armageddon? It is easier to read and less dense but just as informative and just as fair. Good examination of how misguided Christian theology can bring about a militaristic society and outlook. Read it - it's essential knowledge if you want to know how fundamentalist US Christians are playing with the future of not only the Mid-East but the world.
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