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Please explain Chistian Zionism, its relation to the reason to support Israel militarily and implication to the future of Palestine.
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Christian Zionism is a political and religious ideology within Christianity that supports the return of the Jewish people to the Holy Land and the establishment and continued existence of the State of Israel.
Its core belief, particularly among certain evangelical Protestants (especially in the US), is that the re-establishment of Jewish sovereignty in the Levant is a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (an eschatological belief tied to the End Times). Christian Zionists often interpret biblical passages literally, believing that God promised the land (often referred to as "Greater Israel" including the West Bank, sometimes called Judea and Samaria) to the Jewish people. They also believe that by "blessing and supporting Israel" they themselves will be blessed by God (based on Genesis 12:3).
Relation to Military Support for Israel
Christian Zionism translates its theological convictions into strong political and financial advocacy for Israel, including military support:
Lobbying and Funding: Christian Zionist organizations, which often boast millions of members, lobby their governments—particularly the U.S. government—for unconditional financial and military aid to Israel. This influence contributes to Israel being the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign aid since WWII.
Theological Justification for Conflict: Some adherents view Israeli military victories and conflicts as fulfilling biblical prophecy and hastening the End Times. Any action taken by Israel to secure and expand its control over the land is often seen as a necessary part of God's plan, justifying even the most aggressive policies.
Opposition to Accountability: They often oppose international efforts, including at the UN, to hold Israel accountable for actions like illegal settlement building or the use of force, working to prevent policies that might restrain Israeli military or political actions.
Implication to the Future of Palestine
The ideology of Christian Zionism has profound and largely negative implications for the future of Palestine and the peace process:
Opposition to a Two-State Solution: By supporting Israel's claim to the entire biblical Holy Land, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Christian Zionism fundamentally rejects the possibility of an independent Palestinian state. They often encourage and finance the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Dehumanization and Erasure of Palestinians: Some Christian Zionist rhetoric views Palestinians as obstacles to the fulfillment of prophecy, sometimes referring to them as "interlopers" or "enemies" in a larger "holy war." This can lead to the devaluation of Palestinian human rights and national aspirations, including those of Palestinian Christians.
Blocking Peace Negotiations: The immense political and financial power of Christian Zionist groups serves as a deterrent to peace negotiations that would require Israel to concede territory or share control of Jerusalem. They advocate for Jewish dominance over the entirety of the land, seeing any compromise as siding against God's plan.
In essence, Christian Zionism acts as a powerful global force that encourages maximalist Israeli territorial claims and an uncompromising military posture, making a peaceful and equitable resolution for Palestinians significantly more difficult to achieve.
Christian Zionism's role in the conflict is explained further in this video about the movement's history and political influence: Why Christian Zionism is at the heart of the Israel Palestine conflict.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkKrZq4YdqY
Geo-Strategy#2: Christian Zionism and the Middle East Conflict
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Please explain the influence of Christian Zionism in South Korea, and Japan if any.
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Christian Zionism holds significant influence in South Korea, particularly among its large and active Protestant community. In Japan, the influence is present but centers primarily on a few distinct pro-Israel Christian movements.
South Korea: A Global Hub of Christian Zionism Christian Zionism is a prominent phenomenon in South Korea due to its large and fervent Protestant population, especially within the evangelical and Pentecostal streams.
Theological Foundation: Many Korean Protestants, often influenced by American evangelical missionaries, adhere to a theological view that holds the modern State of Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. They widely accept the idea that the Jewish people are God's "Chosen People" and that supporting Israel is a religious duty.
National Sympathy: There is a strong sense of shared history and resilience. Many Koreans draw parallels between their nation's history of war, foreign occupation, and successful state-building and the history of the Jewish people and the modern State of Israel. This narrative creates a unique emotional and nationalistic bond that reinforces Christian Zionist beliefs.
Active Advocacy and Financial Support: Korean Christian Zionism is highly active.
Lobbying/Demonstrations: Korean Christian groups frequently organize public demonstrations, such as large-scale vigils near the Israeli Embassy in Seoul, to express unconditional solidarity with Israel, particularly during times of conflict.
Missions/Pilgrimages: Thousands of Korean Christians have participated in organized pilgrimages and "Jesus Marches" in Israel. Korean missionary organizations are also involved in sending aid and promoting Jewish immigration (Aliyah) to Israel.
Educational Projects: The recent establishment of the country's first Holocaust museum by Christian Zionist groups further underscores their commitment to educating the public about Jewish history and securing support for Israel.
Global Role: Some Korean evangelical leaders see a need for Korea to take over the initiative of world mission from the United States and believe their support for Israel is a part of this global spiritual mission.
Japan: Focused Movement and Unique Philo-Semitism
Christianity is a small minority religion in Japan (less than 1% of the population), but a particular pro-Israel religious movement gives Christian Zionism a visible, albeit smaller, platform.
The Makuya Movement: The most prominent source of Christian Zionist sentiment in Japan is the Makuya (meaning "Tabernacle"). This is a new religious movement, not part of mainstream Japanese Christianity, founded in 1948.
Unconditional Love for Israel: Makuya's followers are known for their unconditional love and support for Israel, making regular pilgrimages and sending students to work on Israeli kibbutzim. They have publicly campaigned and raised funds for Israel, even during times of political difficulty for Japan.
Philo-Semitism over Conversion: Unlike many Western Christian Zionist groups, Makuya does not seek to proselytize among Jews. Their devotion stems from a belief in returning to the Hebraic roots of Christianity and a sense of shared spiritual destiny, sometimes tied to a theory that the Japanese are descendants of the lost tribes of Israel.
Political and Financial Support: While small in number, Japanese Christian groups, including some politicians, have demonstrated their support through significant donations for Israeli causes, such as funding ambulances and other relief efforts.
Overall Public Influence: In contrast to South Korea, Christian Zionism in Japan has a limited impact on broader Japanese public opinion or foreign policy due to the small size of the Christian population. However, it creates a unique and vocal expression of philo-Semitism.
This video provides perspective from some Korean Christians on their support for Israel: Why these Korean Christians support Israel.
Why these Korean Christians support Israel - YouTube
The Daily Wire · 2.5K views
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vsJgIlwROrc
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Explain the American Christians who are critical of Christian Zionism. Compare the size in number of those who are for and against.
American Christians who are critical of Christian Zionism reject the movement's political and theological foundations, emphasizing a commitment to human rights, justice for Palestinians, and a different interpretation of the Bible.Basis of the Critique
American Christians who oppose Christian Zionism typically come from mainline Protestant denominations (such as Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, and Episcopal), Catholic traditions, and increasingly, younger, progressive evangelicals. Their criticism rests on three main pillars:
1. Theological Objections
The core disagreement is over biblical interpretation:
Rejection of Dispensationalism: They reject the premillennial dispensationalism that undergirds Christian Zionism. This is the End Times theology that insists God must first re-gather Jews in Israel and have them establish a complete, sovereign state before the Second Coming of Christ. Critics see this as a highly politicized, fundamentalist reading of scripture.
Adherence to Covenant Theology: Many critics subscribe to Covenant Theology or similar non-Zionist views. They believe that the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ has fulfilled and superseded the Old Testament land promises. In this view, the "true Israel" is the Church (all believers), and the modern State of Israel has no special prophetic role or divine right to specific territory.
Focus on Universal Love: They argue that Christ's core message is one of universal love, justice, and peace for all people, which they feel is contradicted by supporting a political movement that systematically oppresses the Palestinian population, including Palestinian Christians.
2. Moral and Ethical Concerns
Critics denounce the political implications of Christian Zionism:
Support for Occupation: They condemn Christian Zionism for providing unconditional support for Israeli government policies, particularly the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, which they view as a violation of international law and a form of ethnic cleansing.
Antisemitic Undertones: Paradoxically, critics point out that Christian Zionism is rooted in a fundamentally anti-Jewish theology. The End Times scenario requires Jews to either convert to Christianity or be destroyed during the Battle of Armageddon, meaning Christian support is ultimately motivated by a desire for their own salvation, not the well-being of the Jewish people.
Injustice to Palestinians: Many are vocal supporters of Palestinian rights and a just resolution to the conflict. They seek a two-state or one-state solution that grants full rights and self-determination to Palestinians, a position Christian Zionism fiercely opposes.
Comparison of Support: For vs. Against
While a majority of Christian support for Israel comes from the evangelical community, a growing number of Christians are critical, especially among younger generations.
The Generational Shift
The most notable trend is the dramatic decrease in support for Israel among younger evangelicals (under 30):
Older Evangelicals: Historically, support for Israel among older evangelicals was very high (often over 75%).
Younger Evangelicals: Recent surveys show a sharp decline in this support, with some polls indicating a majority of young evangelicals either support the Palestinians or want the U.S. to lean toward neither side. For many young people, Israel is viewed not as a biblical underdog, but as the dominant military power and the aggressor in the conflict.
Despite this shift, the sheer numbers and political influence of older, established Christian Zionism still make it the dominant force in American Christian relations with Israel and US foreign policy.
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