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

---

Related Episodes

Related Blog Post

96. Christian-Palestinian: Unveiling the Obscured Narrative with Daniel Bannoura

About this Episode

Get ready for an insightful and heart-wrenching journey as we chat with Daniel Benora, a Christian Palestinian, who gives us an inside look into the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine. With a direct line to the ground reality, Daniel candidly shares the pain and terror experienced by his friends and family in Gaza due to Israeli attacks. Hear the unfiltered narrative of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, who have been overshadowed in the Western world, as we delve into the complexities of this ongoing strife.

Daniel courageously unravels the obscured narrative of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, demonstrating the importance of understanding the dynamics of this ongoing strife. How do we stay informed when the Western media narrative leans heavily in favor of one side? The conversation deepens as we probe into the biased portrayal of the Middle East in the media, exposing its racist undertones. Together with Daniel, we dissect the colonial mentality and its aftermath, scrutinizing how it frames the Middle East as backward and violent. We also delve into the implications of Zionism, the British Empire's role in Jewish migration to Palestine, opening up the discussion to the way it's used to justify violence against Palestinians. 

As we draw toward the end of our conversation, we venture into the stormy waters of violence, faith, and pacifism within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Daniel reveals the inspiring ways Palestinian Christians channel faith into nonviolent resistance against injustice. We wrap up by challenging the misconceptions surrounding God and his people, urging Christians to seek truth, justice, and love over violence and ignorance. 

 Join us as we reveal how the media, the US government, and the Church perpetuate this idea, all the while emphasizing the importance of nuance in understanding this conflict. Here's a chance to challenge your perspectives and possibly transform your understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian plight.

Connect with Daniel:

• Across the Divide Podcast

• Google Docs Resource

• Listen to Daniel on Theology in the Raw

Episode Timestamps:

(00:02) The Israel-Palestine Occupation

Daniel shares the injustice and violence Palestinians have faced, highlighting the terror and pain caused by Israeli attacks on Christian and Muslim Palestinians.

(10:29) Understanding Gaza and Palestinian Identity

Daniel shares his family's 13-generation history in Bethlehem, discussing the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Palestine.

(14:26) Christian Palestinian Identity and Ignorance

Daniel Benora's Christian Palestinian experience, ignorance and apathy in the West, and the complicity of media and pastors in creating and perpetuating this ignorance are explored.

(18:39) Western Media's Middle East Bias

We examine Orientalism, Palestinian Christians, and the colonial mentality of the Western world to challenge racism in the Middle East.

(27:34) Influence on Israeli-Palestinian Occupation by Politics, Media, Religion

Zionism's history, anti-Semitism, British Empire, violence against Palestinians, media, US government, Church, and justice for Palestinians discussed.

(39:59) Violence and Pacifism in Israeli-Palestinian Occupation

We examine Hamas' motivations, self-defense ideology, Israel's surprise, and faith identity in a violent context.

(53:13) The Palestinian Christian Perspective

Palestinian Christians discuss nonviolent resistance, US imperialism, preferential option for the poor, and the way of the cross.

(58:41) Misrepresentation of God and His People

We question God's representation in war, reject the distinction between Jews and non-Jews, and explore faith, not lineage, for righteousness and God's love.

(01:03:08) Jesus and the Old Testament

Daniel discusses Christ-centered Bible reading, repentance for violence, and researching the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

---

Related Episodes

Related Blog Post

95. Was Jesus Palestinian? with Jeffery Stevens

About this Episode

Tune in for an insightful conversation with Jeffrey Stevens, an independent journalist and director of the Azarius Project, as we take a hard look at the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and the impact it's having on the Christian and other communities within these borders. Hear firsthand about the misinformation circulating among Christian Americans and learn about Jeffrey's own transformation from being pro-Israel to acknowledging the impossibility of supporting both Israel and the sanctity of life simultaneously. 

If you’re one of us, or you’re new here, you should know that there has always been a personal journey at the heart of The Bad Roman Project. It’s been one that's demanded a complete overhaul of previous beliefs. A path paved with discomfort while challenging long-held perceptions and demanding an honest reassessment of Christian values. As always, there's so much more to the story than what's on the surface and what’s important is that we talk about it. 

While mainstream media often skews the reality on the ground, our conversation challenges those narratives and scrutinizes the role of the US and Israeli governments in perpetuating the inhumane policies of the occupation. In this uncompromising discourse, we're asking the hard questions, discussing who gets to define terrorism, examining the treatment of Palestinians (both Muslim and Christian), and unlocking the transformative power of relationships to remedy bias in our perspectives.

But our journey doesn't stop there. In this episode, we're bringing the focus back home, because change starts on your doorstep. We discuss the importance of evangelizing in our own neighborhoods and fostering a personal relationship with Jesus. Be prepared for a lively debate on what Jesus' stance would be of his birthland today and the recognition that the world is indeed larger than just the United States. So, buckle up and come along for an enlightening, perhaps life-altering ride with us. 

Connect with Jeffery:

Catholic Workers Project

Azarias Project

Arab American News

Catholic Wordsmith

Episode Timestamps:

1:05 Correct framing as the illegal Occupation vs. the Israel-Palestine Conflict

• Joe Chadburn Episode

• Importance of independent journalism

• Importance of reframing the language we use to describe a topic

• Unpacking beliefs about Israel in Christian upbringing

• Used to cover Vatican news until 2009 began covering Israel-Palestine 

4:52 Who is Jeffery Stevens?

• Arab American News

• Director of Azarias Project

• Grew up: pro-life, pro-Israel Christian

• Difference between pro-life and anti-abortion

• Blood Brothers Book by Palestinian Catholic Priest, Elias Chacour (Author), David Hazard (Author), James Baker (Foreword) 

• Jesus is Palestinian, not Israeli

• When Bible speaks of Israel it’s referring to Christians not the Israeli government

8:08 Conviction of USA and Israel as the “good guys” against terrorism

• Post-9/11 

• You can respect veterans and still be critical of USA’s imperialism 

• Jesus Christ would not approve of what is happening in the Middle East no matter who is doing it

• Governments can often be found to act more in accordance to the definition of terrorism than those we call the name

• Military bases and proximity to oil reserves

• Syria

• Smedley Butler (Joe Chadburn)

• French Concrete Company sued for assisting ISIS — millions of dollars the US government kept it

• Should Christians care about what is happening in the birthplace of Christianity?

15:16 Where the End of the Earth Begins article on The Catholic Wordsmith

• Acts 1:8

• Popular Christian evangelical verse, we seek to evangelize in frogmen lands and forget to do so in our own neighborhood

• Christians only on Sundays?

• “Jesus would have to cross 15 Israeli checkpoints and a 30-foot wall to get to Bethlehem”

• Americans fail to understand what “occupation” means

• Palestinian Christian population over time and occupation’s influence on their decline

• Israeli Occupation forces and desire for all Jewish state, turning Al_Asqua Mosque into a temple

• Bible bans Jews from 3rd Temple

• Far-right drive

• Texas cows flown to Israel

28:10 Who is funding Israel?

• Palestine of all religions suffer at the hands of this funding under an occupation

• Trump and Israel

33:44 Jenin [on] the Fourth from Arab American News

• West Bank, Refugee Camps

• “Terrorist hot-spot” vs. resistance fighters and patriots

• Ron Paul

• Blowback

• Boston Tea Party was not peaceful

• The American Revolution

• Were we better off before?

• Jesus’s disciples

• Writing about Old Testament and current affairs

• Azarias Project

• Book of Tobit, Archangel Raphael

48:51 The World is Bigger than the USA

• Yemen and Saudi 

• Saudi Golf Tour

---

Related Episodes

Related Blog Post