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Zion's Christian Soldiers?: The Bible, Israel and the Church

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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.

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

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.

It's great to see an evangelical using the bible for a good purpose. Sizer sets up a careful scriptural argument against misinterpreting the bible for harmful unjust political ends and reveals the fallacious assumptions of todays TV preachers.

"Zion's Christian Soldiers" ought to be on the required reading list for all students of the Bible. Here is basic and fundamental methodology which 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 of Plain Truth Ministries,

"Thank God, here comes at last a book that challenges the pseudo-theology which, 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." Professor Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College and a founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington.

"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." Professor Paul S. Boyer, James Pinckney Harrison Visiting Professor at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

"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 a passion that is sure to ignite strong responses -- Sizer outlines the landscape of the problem and its solution." Professor Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament, Department of Biblical & Theological Studies, Wheaton College & Graduate School

'There can't be many other areas where interpretation of the Bible has such an obvious impact on attitudes to contemporary history and politics. Sizer has a remarkable gift for making complicated ideas thoroughly accessible and relevant. He has thrown down the gauntlet to a very significant section of the world-wide Christian community, and this book demands a considered response from them - and from every reader.' Colin Chapman, Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology, Lebanon.

"I strongly commend this new book by Stephen Sizer and urge all evangelical Christians to read it and consider its warning message. No issue arouses greater confusion and dissent among Christians than does Christian Zionism. Even to question its claims draws sharp opposition. Stephen Sizer has shown the greatest courage in facing its challenges and in providing an informative, eirenic and readable exposition of what the issues are and how they have arisen. I urge it upon my fellow Christians to read this book and give it their closest attention." Professor Ronald E. Clements, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies, King's College, University of London

'Stephen Sizer's new study offers a fresh and insightful approach to reading the Bible. With magisterial skill he challenges Christian Zionists and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the true meaning of Scripture.' 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.

"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 re-thinking of Zionist theology towards 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.

A serious book on a serius subject, but you can't help laughing when Sizer gets on to the special red heifer Zionists are looking for once the temple sacrifices are restored. I've heard Stephen Sizer speak a couple of times. He is very much the English clergy-man: softly spoken, sincere, excellent mastery of the facts, and a brilliant communicator, with a power point slide for virtually every sentence he utters. Read some of the stuff about him on the internet and you'd think he was a senior demon straight from hell: such is the rage his attack on Christian Zionism incites. In this book he completely dismantles the Biblical case for Zionism. In the first chapter he covers some basic hermeneutics, and then gets to work explaining what the key symbols in the Zionist movement should mean for Christians. The chosen people are the church, not Israel; the land is now the kingdom, open to all regardless of race, not a state smaller than Wales where only one race is welcome; Jerusalem is heaven; to advocate re-building the temple, as some do, is heresy: Jesus' broken body is the temple; and finally nobody knows about the details of Christ's return, but there is much to respond to in what we do know. Throughout Sizer makes disturbing references to what the impact of the heretical Christian Zionism is having on politics in the Middle East. Christians are called to be peace-makers, but the tragic irony of our generation is this wrong headed nonsense is perhaps one of the greatest obstacles to peace in the region. And there is continual reference to the Bible, indeed it is ultimately the Bible that shines through in this book, free from the sensationalist fare pedalled by the men with their eye on retirement in Palm Springs. And orthodoxy and so the book fittingly ends with a previously unpublished sermon by John Stott. You can't get more orthodox than him. To end with this is an absolute triumph, for Stott is the unconsecrated bishop of Protestantism, and if he is against the jamboree of Zionism, it really is time these people quietened down, and got back to some proper Bible study.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found Stephen Sizer's book at a local YWAM base, and to learn that they were supporting Sizer's thinking. Go YWAM! At least their head is not up the [...]area of pro-zionist thinking. I think you get the point. I used to think like that but finally got my mind into reading books like Sizer's and am so glad I have.

Also look for the 2010 DVD[...]. Sizer is in this documentary in key places.

Time to follow Jesus, and stop believing in the hoax of modern Israel, which I really now believe is the largest example of identity theft in history.

Read Dr. Stephen Jones' book STRUGGLE FOR THE BIRTHRIGHT at[...] to understand that last comment. Free online or order the printed version.

My main objection to Stephen Sizer's Zion's Christian Soldiers is his failure to present fairly both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has done a good job of presenting injustices perpetrated against Palestinians by the State of Israel, but he is silent regarding injustices perperpetrated by Palestinians against Israelis. In particular, he is silent regarding the influence of jihadism on various Palestinian nationalistic orgaizations such as Hamas which groups advocate the elimination of Israel in their charters.

I also objected to his treatment of any Christian supporting the State of Israel (Zion's Christian Soldiers) as "dangerous." His characterization of Christian supporters of Israel as being responsible for much of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would make a good novel, but Sizer's accusations directed at Christian supporters of Israel fall into the realm of conspiracy theory with no real factual support.

Sizer does a good job of exposing weaknesses in Dispensational theology, but he is oblivious to weaknesses in his own Reformed theology. It is curious that he disagrees with John Stott in the interpretation of Romans 11:26 -- although Sizer quotes him at length. His disagreement with Stott hinges on Stott's conviction that there will be a large future ingathering of Jewish believers into the church in the end times. This Sizer cannot accept. He cannot accept that anything special could happen to Jews in the end times.

A much more balanced book on the subject is: The Jews, Modern Israel and the New Supercessionism.

If one applies a consistent grammatical historical hermenutic to all of Scripture then they will be Dispensational and a Christian Zionist.

I wouldn't expect a C of E "Priest" to have any valid view on hermenutics anyway or they wouldn't be part of that Laodicean vomit.

2 Corinthians 6. 14-18.

"Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you."

The `replacement theology' church is on the wrong side of the conflict in Israel

Replacement theology church organizations continue to make rash statements about Israel; call it an occupier; blame it for the Palestinian plight; actively pursue divestments of investments in Israel or in companies that do business with Israel; and side with the Palestinians while never addressing the history of problems perpetrated by the Palestinian leaders, by their own terror groups, or by Arab incitement against the Israelis.

These church groups refuse to address the Palestinian leadership's years of corruption and exploitation, its militancy, its use of terrorism against innocent victims or the fact that Arab leaders are using the Palestinians as pawns in the peace process with the goal of Israel's destruction.

These liberal theologians don't discuss the Arabs' role in the War of Independence in 1948; the Six-Day War in 1967; the Yom Kippur War in 1973; the terrorist bombings under PLO Chairman Yassir Arafat's leadership in the 1990s and the early 2000s; and the ever-growing threat of radical Islam to Israel, the U.S. and the world.

They never mention that Iran is funding Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups that continually call for the elimination of Israel, and they refuse to condemn Iran's leaders' scathing comments about Israel or its development of a nuclear weapon. Instead, they co-sponsored a dinner for Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in New York City in September 2008.

They don't mention the horrendously violent conflict between Hamas and Fatah; or that in country after country in the Middle East, it's Muslim fighting Muslim.

They don't make statements about the abuse of Muslims by their own people; the horrific wars of Iran and Iraq when 1 million people were killed; the Lebanese war and conflict with Hezbollah; or the violent sectarian conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (to name a few).

They also refuse to acknowledge that in nearly every place on earth where there is war or heavy conflict, it's caused by or carried out by radical Muslims.

They have ecumenical meetings and photo ops with imams, even as Christians are being persecuted and killed by followers of Islam due to their faith in Jesus Christ.

This is Scripture in fulfillment. All the peoples are going to gang up on Jerusalem and the Jewish people and that will sadly include the vast majority in the "church".

"I will gather all the nations, And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; And they have divided up My land." Joel 3:.2.

"Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.
"And it will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it." Zech 2:2,3.

"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed." Ps. 2:1,2.

In the end Israel wins! Sad we have to put up with Satan's ranting and raving in the meantime.

For the Love of Zion

Dispensationalism

Stephen's latest book has the subtitle, "the Bible, Israel and the Church". Unfortunately, his book does not live up to this important theme. Essential Biblical evidence is again and again either totally ignored, misunderstood or dismissed as irrelevant. Jeremiah 31:35-37 for example, is not mentioned. Likewise, Psalm 105: 7-11; is quoted, but not taken seriously, by for example, linking it to Romans 15:8; (see also 2 Corinthians 1:20). Stephen also continually confused Abrahamic (unconditional) covenant with the Mosaic covenant (conditional). For example, on page 63, Deuteronomy is quoted to show that the Abrahamic covenant was conditional! Stephen even thinks Zadok (in absolute contradiction to the Biblical record - see for example 1 Chronicles 6:3-8, 50-53) might have been a Jebusite! He does this to further Palestinian political claims to Jerusalem.
Unfortunately, this is not an honest theology text, seeking without pre-conditions to discover the witness of Scripture on this subject. Rather, the book was written for a different purpose. It is written, as he explains in the concluding chapter, to distance Christians from any affection or concern they may feel towards the modern state of Israel. If you want superficial theological help de-legitimizing the Jewish state, this book is for you. If you want to find out about the Bible, Israel and the Church, then start with David Baron, "The Ancient Scriptures of the Modern Jew" and Adolph Saphir, "Christ and Israel". Both written a long time ago, but well worth the read.
Stephen comes across as a nice guy who cares about justice. His error is in assuming a false dichotomy between God's continuing faithfulness to Israel and God's love for all humanity. God is one, his attributes are not in conflict, and his faithfulness does not war with his justice or universal compassion. God's love for Israel was the first expression of his love for all (Romans 11:16, the rest of the harvest doesn't complain about the first fruits being holy, but rather sees in that hope for itself.) We do not have to delegitimise Israel in order to legitimise the church. There is only one way to salvation, as Paul clearly teaches in Romans 10 and 11, (see 10:1 etc) a deliverer will come to Zion. Jesus came as "a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of Your people Israel."
Finally, Stephen needs to realize, not all justice is on the side of the Palestinians. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The Palestinians have sinned, are sinning and need Jesus. Justice is by no means their uncritical supporter, just as Israel is by no means always in the wrong. Both peoples need salvation.