Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century: American Evangelical Opinion on Israel

Motti Inbari and Kirill Bumin analyze the religious beliefs and foreign policy attitudes of evangelical and born-again Christians in the US, drawing on three original surveys conducted in 2018, 2020, and 2021. They aim to rectify misconceptions about who these Christians are and their sympathies toward Israel, Jewish people, and Palestinians. They demonstrate that a generational divide is emerging within the evangelical community and that frequent church attendance and certain theological beliefs have a profound impact on their preference for Israel over the Palestinians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the captivating book "Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century," authors Motti Inbari and Kirill Bumin delve into the intricate tapestry of religious beliefs and foreign policy attitudes among evangelical and born-again Christians in the United States. Drawing upon three groundbreaking surveys conducted in 2018, 2020, and 2021, they embark on a profound exploration to unravel the complex factors that shape the unwavering support for the State of Israel within this religious community. Through meticulous quantitative analyses and a meticulous textual study of ordinary evangelicals' written comments, Inbari and Bumin seek to rectify misconceptions about these Christians, their sympathies toward Israel, Jewish people, and Palestinians, and the underlying sources of their foreign policy attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What emerges from their research is a fascinating generational divide within the evangelical community, one that profoundly impacts their attitudes toward Israel. The authors reveal that frequent church attendance and certain theological beliefs play a pivotal role in shaping the evangelicals' preference for Israel over the Palestinians. This nuanced analysis adds depth to the ongoing discussion, challenging the prevailing narratives that often portray contemporary evangelical and born-again Christians as monolithic in their support for Israel.

Inbari and Bumin's work underscores the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives within the evangelical community. They highlight that while some may view the conflict through a singular lens of religious loyalty, others are driven by a broader range of factors, including political considerations, historical narratives, and a deep concern for human rights. This diversity of viewpoints adds richness to the conversation and underscores the need for empathy and open-mindedness in navigating the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the authors conclude their book, they leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the complexity of the evangelical and born-again Christians' position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They urge policymakers, religious leaders, and the broader public to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek to bridge the gaps that exist between different communities. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can work towards a more peaceful and inclusive future for all parties involved.

In summary, "Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century" is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that sheds light on the complex interplay between religious beliefs, foreign policy attitudes, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through rigorous research and thoughtful analysis, Inbari and Bumin provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of this important topic. Their work encourages us to approach the discussion with nuance, empathy, and a commitment to finding sustainable solutions that promote peace and prosperity for all.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 242 x 167 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197649305