“I will bless those who bless you”: Christian Zionism, Fetishism, and Unleashing the Blessings of God

Abstract

This article focuses on the concept of ‘blessing’ Israel that has become common among contemporary American Christian Zionists. After introducing a theological scheme that has dominated discussions of contemporary Christian Zionism, the article critically examines one of the emerging narratives concerning the (re)discovery of Christian Zionists’ Jewish roots and the way the Jewish contribution to Christianity is framed. Following this, the article considers the way Israel and Jews are understood to hold a distinct place in the network of world redemption and how contemporary Israel acts as a marker—what is referred to as a ‘signifier of stability’—that helps Christian Zionists locate God’s ongoing work in the world. Finally, the article discusses how Christian Zionists ‘bless’ Israel in practical ways as a form of submission to God, a reminder of their relationship with God, and a way to locate themselves in the redemptive process.

Notes

1. Research for this article is derived from an on-going project that began in 2009 on American Christian Zionism and public figures such as John Hagee and others who are a significant part of the contemporary Christian Zionist movement in the United States. The article is based on work with CUFI (Christians United for Israel) members and churches in the United States and Israel, including participant observation at the 2010 and 2011 CUFI Washington Summit; attendance at over ten other regional CUFI events between 2010 and 2012; a tour of Israel with a CUFI constituent church in 2012; and attendance at other smaller Christian Zionist gatherings. It also analyses sermons, texts, and other public material of CUFI leaders and others with whom they work. All transcripts are the author’s own unless otherwise noted and derive from personal interviews with participants. Transcripts from the Washington Summits used in this article are taken from the recorded proceedings purchased on DVD when I attended the Summits.

2. For an overview of prophecy fiction in America, see Crawford Gribben.

3. Here I am referring to what Susan Harding (xv) describes as ‘big F’ Fundamentalism—a Modernist term created by outsiders, such as academics, liberal Protestants, and journalists, which comprises a much larger group of Bible-believing Christians than those who would self-identify as ‘fundamentalists’.

4. Proponents of strengthening the relationship between Christian Zionists and Israel readily admit that some Christian Zionists hold these beliefs, but either try to minimize them or point out that they are meant for a future date, which Jews do not believe will happen in the first place. For one example of this, see David Brog. For an overview of various theological criticisms of Christian Zionism, see Stephen Spector 111–40.

5. For a further analysis of the tension between public statements disavowing the relationship between End Times prophecy or ‘forcing God’s hand’, Christian support for Israel, and Christian Zionists’ expectation that the prophesied events will come to pass in the near future, see Sean Durbin.

6. Jeremiah 31:5–6 reads: “Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.’” (NIV)