[1] In our time, when
the Israeli/Palestinian conflict occupies such a prominent place in
our political discourse, the topic of Christian Zionism has become
a critical matter for theological and ethical deliberation. In
this issue, the Journal of Lutheran Ethics is pleased to provide a
contribution to this important discussion.
[2] Robert O. Smith
reminds readers of the historical and existential context for
Jewish sensitivities regarding Christian discussions of this
topic. He contends that discussions pertaining to Christian
Zionism must also take into account important conversations
concerning proper Jewish-Christian relations.
[3] JoAnn G. Magnuson
presents the case for Christian Zionism, based on both biblical and
historical considerations. As someone with long involvement in
the Christian Zionist movement, she argues that not all Christian
Zionists are committed to dispensational theology. She
provides a Christian Zionist perspective on the way forward in
Israeli-Palestinian relations.
[4] Bishop Munib Younan
provides a robust theological critique of the topic, and speaks
from the vantage point of his personal experience as an Arab
Palestinian Lutheran Christian. He examines the theology of
the Promised Land based on an examination of scripture. He
notes that the Bible is a "complex narrative that shows God's
intent to transform the world and its people into a new community
of shalom/salaam/peace." He leads readers through a litany of
problems with Christian Zionism from the point of view of someone
who lives daily with this issue.
[5] John Hubers
describes the ethical dilemma created by the displacement of many
thousands of non-Jewish residents brought about by the creation of
the state of Israel. He lifts up elements of the historical
context for the discussion of the ethical issues involved, and lays
out the implications of the discussion of Christian Zionism for the
contemporary situation in Israel/Palestine. Like Bishop
Younan, Hubers provides a theological critique of the main
Christian Zionist assertions.
[6] Participants in this
discussion firmly maintain that any Christian critique of Christian
Zionism, or of certain Israeli government policies, should not be
understood as failure to support the existence and security of the
state of Israel. They point to God's call for people to work
for peace with justice.