|
(Excerpt from the INTRODUCTION of this new monography :)
As the nation of Israel continues to struggle for legitimacy and security
against an array of daunting political, moral and existential challenges,
nothing seems out of bounds for her most virulent adversaries. Even the
tragedy of the Holocaust has been turned into yet another blunt instrument
with which to strike out against her, as many are unduly equating Israel's
treatment of the Palestinians to the Nazi treatment of Jews.
In the same spirit, those who offer support to Israel in the Christian
world are being delegitimized and even demonized by a growing chorus of
critics in the media, the Left and even among fellow Christians. Our moral
and biblical stand with Israel is under unprecedented scrutiny and most
discussions on Christian Zionism inevitably seem to turn to the question
of our 'real' motives. Often we are portrayed as a recent outgrowth of the
American Christian Right and its supposed efforts to impose its political
will in and through Washington. Even more sinister, we are accused of
blocking the way to peace in the Middle East or of having some dark 'end
time' agenda that seeks to hasten the Apocalypse and force one last,
massive convert-or-die scenario on the Jewish people.
Regrettably, such portrayals are a gross distortion of the true heart of
the Christian Zionist movement, its biblical inspiration, long and proud
history, global reach and honorable aims.
This monograph is the first in a series of academic and theological
papers, entitled the Good Stewards series, intended to address the
criticism and charges against Christian Zionism in relation to the way
this biblical belief system is understood and advocated by the
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. The ICEJ is a mainstream
Christian ministry with a worldwide constituency that includes
Evangelical, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox believers from over 125
countries, all with one common denominator: Each one has a God-given,
often inexplicable love for Israel and the Bible. In reading that Bible,
they have realized it has favorable things to say about Israel and the
Jewish people, including the promise of a future restoration to their
ancient homeland.
Thus as a leading voice and vanguard for the global Christian Zionist
movement, the ICEJ seeks to place on the public record more fully the
theological foundations of our beliefs and actions, and the compelling
love for all humanity that is our core motivation.
(To read the whole monography visit ICEJ's site
www.icej.org )
|
