|
Review Summary: A very good work of scholarship overall |
Date: 2008-08-22 |
|
| |
|
Details: A book I read this summer and which I would highly recommend is Stephen R. Sizer's Christian Zionism: Road-Map to Armageddon. Quite frankly, I couldn't put it down! It is a first-rate work of scholarship, one which examines the theology underlying Christian Zionism, while also putting it in a historical context. Thus, the book traces what is in fact a fairly recent theological development, one which very much subverts what was for the larger history of Christianity the conventional understanding of Biblical prophecy--one which saw it as something largely rooted in past events--through the use of what Sizer characterizes as an ultra-literal hermeneutic. The notion that the modern-day ingathering of the Jews in Palestine is something prophesied in Scripture only began to take form during the early-19th century, following the upheavals brought about by Napoleon's conquest of Europe. This development took place primarily in Britain. From a historical perspective then, the book provides some important insight concerning late-19th century British support for Zionism. By the 20th century, Christian Zionism found a foothold in the United States, and indeed, after tracing the movement's development in Britain during the 19th century, the book examines its growing popularity in America up through the present-day, likewise, the huge influence its proponents wield on American foreign policy. |
| |
|
Review Summary: The blessing and the curse |
Date: 2008-06-22 |
|
| |
Details: The first chapter: The Historical Roots of Christian Zionism, is an exhaustive and exhausting (for the reader) study of an obscure theology "premillennial dispensationalism." It also covers some early British supporters of a Jewish homeland in the Levant like Lords Shaftesbury and Balfour, his famous declaration as well as Christian political support for the Jewish Zionist movement. It concludes with the author's biased opinion of contemporary Christian Zionism in the USA. Fortunately there are far superior books available for the discerning reader and those who seek only the facts: The Politics of Christian Zionism 1891-1948 by Paul Charles Merkley and Standing With Israel by David Brog. It must always be borne in mind that Israel is supported by all sorts of Christians: Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Calvinist, Charismatic, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Presbyterian amongst others.
Subjects of chapter two include the theological emphases of Christian Zionism with reference to a futurist hermeneutic, the relationship between Israel and the Church, restorationism and Jerusalem & the Temple. It concludes with the eschatology and "distinctive" theology of the movement. In reality Christian Zionism is more like a large tent than a monolithic movement defined by a particular theology. Proof is available in works like Christian Attitudes Towards the State of Israel by Paul Charles Merkley, The Irrevocable Calling by Dan Juster and Don Finto's excellent book God's Promise and the Future of Israel. Christian support for Israel has a simple explanation: "I will bless those who bless you" of Genesis 12:3.
In chapter three Sizer accuses Christian Zionists of supporting Israeli colonialism, opposing peace and hastening Armageddon. These ludicrous calumnies make sense in view of the author's association with Naim Ateek, the Palestinian liberation theologian. Sizer's fear-mongering resembles the political propaganda of Noam Chomsky, the Pol Pot apologist and Hezbollah fan, in theological language. This is the demonic doctrine of Displacement Theology, also known as Supercessionism or Replacement Theology. He writes: " ... There is, therefore, no evidence that the apostles believed that the Jewish people still had a divine right to the land ..." This is an example of arrogant anti-Judaism. Christian Antisemites compulsively deny Israel's right to life and the clear meaning of the Old Testament through pious expressions like "fulfillment in Christ," in direct denial of Acts 15. This also points to Preterism, a doctrine holding that all Old Testament prophecy has already been fulfilled. For the firm Biblical foundations of Christian support for Israel, please see Future Israel by Barry Horner.
In the Conclusion, Sizer claims that American evangelicals' support of Israel is "inherently and pathologically destructive." Following Chomskyan orthodoxy, he levels the familiar litany of leftist accusations: American hegemony, racial discrimination, colonialism, apartheid and the sin of Islamophobia. Fascinating attitudes are exposed when the veil of piety slips a bit, e.g. in discussing "ethical requirements" for ownership of the land and referring to the "meek" of Psalm 37:11, Sizer states: " ... the question may legitimately be asked whether, due to its expansionist policies, the state of Israel might not expect another exile rather than a restoration."
But there is no expansion, only withdrawal! First from the Sinai, then from Lebanon and most recently from Gaza. Ronald Reagan said "liberals know a lot of things that just ain't so." The "apartheid" smear also made by Jimmy Carter is demonstrably untrue. Approximately 20% of Israeli citizens are Arabs and 16% of its citizens are Muslims. When I last checked the Israeli parliament had 10 Arab members representing three political parties: Balad, Hadash and the United Arab List - Ta'al. Jewish Israelis comprise all races, including people from Africa, India and a large number whose ancestors had lived in the Middle East for 2000 years.
Sizer ignores the historical circumstances that led to the 1948 rebirth of Israel. You will find no mention of Hitler's ally Haj Amin al-Husseini or the attempt of its Arab neighbors to strangle the Jewish state at birth. He seems oblivious to the dangers currently facing the little country: genocidal threats from Iran and Hezbollah, an endless rain of Hamas missiles on Sderot and other towns plus Syrian threats of war. The antisemitic incitement in the Arab media, including those of the Palestinian Authority, is ignored. How sinister of a so-called Christian to deny the tide of Islamist violence and the oppression of Christians in the Islamic world while trying to delegitimize the only Middle Eastern state that guarantees freedom of worship to members of all religions. Sizer even attacks humanitarian organizations in Israel that provide aid to both Arabs and Jews!
That most illuminating book Christian Antisemitism by William Nicholls reveals the theology and history behind the plague of replacement theology that informs Sizer's work. In this regard it's helpful to list some of its features:
a) Some variety of cryptic Replacement Theology.
b) Extreme spiritualizing or allegorizing of the Jewish scriptures, in particular the twisting of Old Testament prophecies about Israel in order to appropriate every promise for "the church" or arguing that they refer to Christ.
c) Blurring the distinction between the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant regarding ownership of the land and the conditional Mosaic Covenant of laws.
d) A foggy view of mankind's ultimate destiny in which no distinctive cultures or national identities survive since all become "one in Christ".
e) A cursory treatment or derisive view of the facts surrounding the rebirth of Israel and the wars for survival.
f) An undercurrent of disdain and malice towards the Jewish people.
The promise of Genesis 12:3 contains both blessing and curse; history provides ample empirical evidence that it is always fulfilled. In its widest sense, the word curse encompasses slurs, slander, innuendo, false accusations and the unfairness of holding Israel to an impossibly high standard of behavior or singling it out for criticism while withholding same from other countries. Those who employ words as weapons around an issue on which the Good Book is very clear ought to carefully consider the consequences.
|
| |
|
Review Summary: Addresses the most dangerous deception in American Christianity |
Date: 2008-05-17 |
|
| |
|
Details: Christian Zionism is more than doctrinal error: it is a deception growing out of control in American Christianity. Yet Sizer is not this blunt. He is even-handed and approaches the subject with a scholarly tone discussing historical roots, theological emphases, and political implications. It's time to wake up Christians who have been suckered into the pseudo-Christian cult of Dispensationalism. See also works by the late John Gerstner. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Gutsy and Eye-opening |
Date: 2008-03-27 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: There ARE a few people left who are willing to speak truth to power and Dr. Sizer is certainly one of them. This book traces the history of Zionism from its secular Jewish roots to its politics in modern times. Sizer also examines the Christian theology that was born in Britain in the early 1800s and flourished in the US which was key in bringing about the birth of the nation of Israel. I found this book to be incredibly fair and just from a very learned writer. Take the time to read this; you will come away enlightened. |
| |
|
Review Summary: Reviews received for this book |
Date: 2008-03-22 |
|
|
| |
Details: "I wanted to congratulate you on your book ... Like yourself in one regard, I have a long history of what I call "prediction addiction" -- and its obvious flaws and failures. Your book seems to be a careful and much needed analysis of the destructive wake left by pre-millennial dispensationalism. Thank you! My particular version of dispensationalism was informed by a potent and lethal mixture of sabbatarianism and British Israelism as championed by Herbert W. Armstrong... God rescued me (and many others, thank God) from these heretical notions... What Dr. Sizer addresses is absolutely critical for Christians in North America to understand. Greg Albrecht, President of Plain Truth Ministries, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plain Truth magazine (author of Revelation Revolution & Bad News Religion).
"Nearly a thousand years ago, European Crusaders tried to colonise Palestine, fuelling religious hatred and bringing the indigenous Christian community close to extinction. It is tragic, if ironic, that misguided Western Christian Zionists, by their one-sided political support for Israel, are today succeeding where the Crusaders failed. Stephen Sizer's ground-breaking new book on Christian Zionism exposes how this heretical theology is having devastating political consequences in the Middle East. It is heartbreaking to see misguided Christians identifying more with Ahaband Jezebel than with Naboth. On a daily basis we are seeing our land confiscated, our vineyards destroyed, our homes demolished, our children traumatised and our future negated for the sake of an earthly kingdom which the Lord Jesus has plainly repudiated. I commend Stephen's important and prophetic book in calling Evangelical Christians, in particular, to break the spiral of violence and hatred. Instead we must obey the teachings of the Prince of Peace who has called us to a ministry of reconciliation rather than listen to the false prophets of Armageddon whose apocalyptic message is in danger of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy." The Right Revd Riah Abu El Assal, Retired Episcopal Bishop of Jerusalem (author of Caught in Between).
"I believe Stephen Sizer is one of the most authoritative scholars in the world on the vital issue of Christian Zionism. He is a very important voice speaking out against this destructive movement that is killing us [Palestinians] through its theology." Canon Naim Ateek, Founder & Director of Sabeel, Jerusalem (author of Justice and Only Justice).
"I hope it will spread widely in evangelical circles and I am particularly glad that IVP have published it, thereby endorsing our judgment. [Christian Zionism] is an ultimately totally unbiblical menace." Right Revd Simon Barrington-Ward, retired Bishop of Coventry and former Principal of Crowther Hall, Selly Oak Colleges and General Secretary of the Church Mission Society. Presently Chaplain to the staff of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. (author of Love Will Out, Why God?, The Jesus Prayer and co-author of Praying the Jesus Prayer)
"Having heard Stephen Sizer at the Sabeel International Conference in Jerusalem a year and a half ago, I can vouch for him as an articulate and vigorous speaker, and an expert on Christian Zionism." Right Revd Allen Bartlett, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Washington.
"I think your book is fantastic... I'm grateful for your advocacy of the Church as the Bride... This is a large book, as well it should be, since it addresses a large issue. At stake in the argument is the very definition of the identity of the Church. Some theologies, that make Israel central to the purposes of God and to the processes of history, reduce the Church to the status of concubine while Israel becomes the Bride. Sizer's work provides a timely reminder that, according to the New Testament, God's people is to be identified on the basis of grace, not of race." Professor Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College and founding leader of Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Illinois, (author of The Liberated Gospel, Beyond Sex Roles, Christianity 101 and Community 101)
"Sizer's well-researched study is of considerable value... Christian Zionism unearths the taproot of a belief system that exerts enormous influence in contemporary America. Based on supposedly infallible sacred texts, these beliefs help determine how millions of Americans, and millions more worldwide, view the bloody and seemingly insoluble conflicts that torment the Middle East, bringing such suffering and heartache to its peoples." Professor Paul Boyer, Merle Curti Professor of History Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison (editor-in-chief of the Oxford Companion to American History, author of Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft, Urban Masses and Moral Order in America, 1820-1920, By the Bomb's Early Light: American Thought and Culture at the Dawn of the Atomic Age, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief in Modern American Culture, Fallout: A Historian Reflects on America's Half-Century Encounter With Nuclear Weapons)
"Stephen Sizer has written a masterly book on a controversial subject. Some of us have soaked up teaching about Christian Zionism from the footnotes of a Schofield Reference Bible or from Hal Lindsey's bestseller The Late Great Planet Earth, or from the leaders of certain Christian tours to Israel. Probably we have read very little that critically examines its basic assumptions. Sizer sets out to evaluate Christian Zionism critically from a biblical and historical perspective... Sizer's clear thinking, scholarly and reverent critique of Christian Zionism certainly needs to be read alongside the Scriptures, with the utmost seriousness." Canon Gordon Bridger, former Principal of Oak Hill College, 1987-96, (author of The Man from Outside, A Day that Changed the World, Bible Study Commentary 1 Corinthians-Galatians).
"Stephen Sizer's Christian Zionism : Road Map to Armageddon? is essential reading for any western evangelical trying to understand the religious dimensions of American support for Israel. Sizer writes as an insider within the church, not as a critic watching from afar. And he shows with exacting clarity how evangelical eschatology has now embedded itself in a modern political ideology. One quick read of this book will change anyone's perspective on the Middle East permanently." Professor Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College & Graduate School, Wheaton (author of Whose Land, Whose Promise? What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians).
"A comprehensive survey describing how Christians have embraced a theological perspective that has encouraged justice for Jews but has also led to the oppression of Palestinian people and extreme hostility between Christians and Muslims worldwide." Professor Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University (My Top 5 Books on Social Justice, Christianity Today, January 2008 and author Speaking My Mind, The God of Intimacy and Action, Adventures in Missing the Point, Letters to a Young Evangelical, Twenty Hot Potatoes Christians Are Afraid to Touch, Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God, Let me Tell You a Story, Carpe Diem, How Movies Helped Save My Soul, Its Friday But Sunday's Comin, Fifty Ways You Can Help Save the Planet, The Gospel With Extra Salt)
"It is very timely and ... a serious work on what is such a very troubling and troublesome issue for the Christians of the Holy Land as well as world wide." Right Revd Elias Chacour, Greek Melkite Bishop of Israel and founder of the Mar Elias Educational Institutions, Ibillin, Galilee (author of Blood Brothers & We Belong to the Land).
"This is a masterly and highly readable analysis of the history, the world-view and the political implications of Christian Zionism. Sizer has thrown down the gauntlet in a way that demands a response from those who support the state of Israel for theological reasons." Colin Chapman, Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology, Lebanon. (author of Whose Promised Land?, Whose Promised City? & Cross and Crescent).
"The invaluable contribution of Stephen Sizer's book, Christian Zionism, is that he discusses in detail a lesser-acknowledged kind of Zionism, one that, he claims, predated political Zionism by 60 years (p. 254). Sizer, chairman of the International Bible Society in England, reveals a Christian Zionism that, for its own distinctly theological reasons, supports Israel's occupation of Palestinian land. Mark Chmiel, Adjunct professor of Theological Studies at St. Louis University and of Religious Studies at Webster University. (author of Elie Wiesel and the Politics of Moral Leadership)
"I recommend the book wholeheartedly. It is timely, and really vital, in view of the present attitude of both U.S. and British governments to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It demonstrates how a firm principle of Christian hope has been distorted and misapplied in a cruel and destructive manner. Until the Christian attitude to Zionism is changed, I fear that the situation will continue to deteriorate and that those evangelicals who have embraced Zionism will continue to do immense damage to the Christian Church. I think it is a "must read" book for every serious evangelical today." Professor Ron Clements, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies, King's College, London, (author of Wisdom for a Changing World: Wisdom in Old Testament Theology: Berkeley Tanner Lectures; Old Testament Theology: A Fresh Approach, Isaiah 1-13: The New Century Bible Commentary, Wisdom in Theology, Ezekiel: Westminster Bible Companion, Prophecy and Tradition, One Hundred Years of Old Testament Interpretation).
"This study of Christian Zionism, based on Stephen Sizer's doctoral thesis, is of seminal significance. It provides a fascinating survey of the history of Christian Zionism and an indepth analysis of the theology of this highly important and influential movement." 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. (author of Israel: The History of an Idea, Messianic Judaism & Antisemitism). |
| |
|
out of 14 Reviews
