126. What is Christian Zionism? Its Origins and Implications with Stephen Sizer

About this Episode

Christian Zionism: A movement that's shaping global politics, yet many don't understand it. In our latest Bad Roman podcast episode, we dive deep into this controversial topic with UK Reverend Steven Sizer, a leading expert on Christian Zionism.

Together, Craig and Stephen define and explore Christian Zionism's profound influence on global politics, creation and support of the Israeli Occupation of Palestine, and stoking of tensions in the Middle East.

Stephen illuminates the historical roots of Christian Zionism, revealing that it predates Jewish Zionism by at least 50 years. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider the motivations behind political support for Israel and question whether religious beliefs are being used to justify geopolitical agendas.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. The Origins of Christian Zionism: Explore how this movement has evolved and its current influence.

2. The Theological Misconceptions: Rev. Sizer challenges common interpretations of scripture that have led to unconditional support for modern Israel.

3. The Human Cost: We discuss the impact of Christian Zionist beliefs on Palestinians, including Christians in Gaza.

Listeners will gain fresh insights into the misinterpretations of key biblical passages, particularly regarding the Rapture and the distinction between the Israel of the Bible and the modern state of Israel. Reverend Sizer argues that many Christians have been led astray by these misinterpretations, resulting in a distorted view of Israel's role in modern times.

The episode also confronts the real-world consequences of Christian Zionist beliefs, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a stark reminder of the human cost of uncritical support for Israeli policies. Reverend Sizer calls for a reevaluation of how these beliefs might be contributing to suffering and injustice.

The two discuss actionable steps for Christians to align their beliefs with the pursuit of peace and justice for all people in the Holy Land. This episode is a call to reflection and action, challenging listeners to approach Israel-Palestine with open minds, compassionate hearts, and a dedication to seeking truth and justice. This eye-opening discussion promises to transform your understanding of Christian Zionism and how its implications shape international politics and human rights issues. It's a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the land that is Palestine and the nation state of Israel.

Connect with Stephen Sizer:

Website [https://www.stephensizer.com/friends/]

Article: 7 Biblical Answers to Israel and the Church

Episode Timestamps:

(00:58) Stephen's Background and Journey

• Episode with Grace Batchoun 

• 71-year-old retired Church of England minister

• Evangelical conservative background

• Transition from Christian Zionist beliefs to critical analysis

(02:14) Stephen's Ministry and Middle East Experience

• Work in Eastern Europe during communist era

• Involvement in Middle East, particularly Israel-Palestine issues

• PhD research on Christian Zionism

(04:47) Stephen's Publications and Resources

• Books: "Christian Zionism: Roadmap to Armageddon" and "Zionist Christian Soldiers"

• Website: Stephensizer.com for free access to materials

(06:01) Defining Christian Zionism

• Origins and development of Christian Zionism

• Distinction between Jewish Zionism and Christian Zionism

• Critique of Christian Zionism as an oxymoron

(10:20) Christian Nationalism and Christian Zionism

• Exploration of the relationship between the two ideologies

• Distinction between healthy patriotism and harmful nationalism

(14:14) Distinguishing Between Jews, Israel, and Zionism

• Importance of separating criticism of Israeli policies from antisemitism

• Discussion on demographics and support for Israeli policies among Jews

(22:20) Christian Support for Israeli Actions

• Examination of Christian justifications for supporting Israeli policies

• Critique of dispensationalist theology and its impact on Christian views

(27:26) Historical Context of Christian Zionis

• 19th-century origins and political motivations

• Role of Christian Zionism in shaping Middle East policies

(35:06) Personal Experiences and Challenges

• Stephen's encounters with accusations and intimidation

• Church of England's response to Stephen's work on Israel-Palestine issues

(47:20) Encouragement to Continue the Dialogue

• Importance of challenging Christian Zionist beliefs

• Call for Christians to critically examine their views on Israel-Palestine

(55:24) Additional Resources and Support

• Information on Stephen's website and publications

• Introduction to Peacemakers NGO and its work

(56:38) Future Discussions and Collaborations

• Potential for future conversations with other experts

• Importance of ongoing dialogue on Israel-Palestine issues

(00:58) Stephen's Background and Journey

• Episode with Grace Batchoun 

(02:14) Stephen's Ministry and Middle East Experience

(04:47) Stephen's Publications and Resources

• Books: "Christian Zionism: Roadmap to Armageddon" and "Zionist Christian Soldiers"

Website: Stephensizer.com for free access to materials

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32. The Troops’ Battle, The State’s Evils: Waging War with Eric Campbell and Nicolas Harrelson

What if everything you have been told about the War on Terror has been a lie?  

In this episode Craig talks with veterans Eric Campbell and Nicolas Harrelson about their experiences as servicemen who toured in Iraq. They discuss how their experiences changed their view on war, and led them on a path to anarchism. Putting a face on the humanity in Iraq and learning that the people there are everyday men and women who are just trying to provide for their families and live in peace, brought about a change in perception for these men. Discovering that the military presence and intervention has caused more harm than good, and the people of Iraq preferred Saddam to the US military was a sobering realization. What is the truth, and why do we continue to occupy these countries? 

LINKS & STARTING POINTS:

2:33 Eric’s Background 

• 20+ years of service 

• Professional national guardsman 

• E5 sergeant 

• Radio operator/communications specialist 

3:51 Nicolas’ Background

• 6 years in the Virginia national guard 

• Eleven Bravo Infantryman 

• 1st deployment to Iraq in 2009-10

• 2nd deployment to Iraq 2011

• Wounded on second deployment, October 2011

16:05 Eric’s Story of being in the military & deployed overseas

• Got to know the locals

• Conditioned to believe that “they” were evil and vile

• Dealt with normal everyday truck drivers who were not devoutly religious Muslims but instead...stereotypical truck drivers

• Realized he was lied to about what kind of people the Iraqi people were 

• The lies and propaganda is in the American churches, media, and military training 

• The Iraqi people are just normal everyday people struggling to survive, and we ruined that. 

32:36 Nicolas’ Story of being in the military & deployed overseas

• The United States being in conflict and war with other countries has been normalized 

• There is no longer peace between us and the rest of the world 

• There has been a complete dehumanization of others 

• The effects of war on his friends 

• Suicide of friends he served with 

• Began putting a human face on the “others”

• “It says a lot about the effects we have had in Iraq when the Iraqi people rather have Saddam as opposed to what we have brought them” 

• We have been involved in the war on terror for 20 years 

• Created the perfect storm of ambiguity that allows for the government to do as they please 

• Creates broken individuals(veterans)

• How does the war effect those who didn’t ask to be involved?

• Heavy burden to bear 

44:56 We have not been in a declared war since World War 2

• Military industrial complex benefits from perpetual war

• Conflict profits the government by growing it 

• “For every terrorist we kill, multiple are created” 

• Average everyday Americans are sucked into the cycle 

• War makes money 

• The soldiers are there to protect Halliburton and those connected to Halliburton and their profits

• Every aspect of the military has some company tied to it 

54:02 Afghan Papers 

• In-depth account of evidence that the military strung along the public and the government to perpetually continue the mission in Afghanistan and Iraq, as a means to continue receiving funding 

• War and conflict has become normalized 

• The United States government has always been the aggressor in all of these conflicts 

• There are no sensible and rational arguments for going into Iraq and Afghanistan 

• We trained Saddam Hussein

• Bin Laden trained by CIA

59:56 There is a need for ministry and mental health assistance in the military 

• War should be the last resort of failed diplomacy 

• There is a large number of service men and women who believe that war should be a last resort 

1:09:59 Eric’s gaming blog: The Anarchist Gamer on blogspot