• This article explores the pervasive theological disagreements within Christianity concerning Judaism and Jews.
• It also examines derogatory references in the Talmud towards revered figures in Islam and Christianity, shedding light on the reasons behind the alliance between evangelical Christians and the Israeli regime.
The relationship between Christians and Jews has been strained for centuries. Despite sharing belief in the Old Testament, which could suggest a basis for theological closeness, there are of course significant divisions. Many Christian evangelicals view Jewish Zionists as followers of Kabbalistic and Talmudic traditions rather than adherents of ‘the word of God.’ Furthermore, the historical backdrop is marked by the brutal expulsion, mistreatment, and persecution of Jews by Christians, alongside a persistent theological opposition to Judaic principles within Christian teachings.
Let’s consider the 16th-century German, Christian theologian Martin Luther. Luther was a central figure of the Protestant Reformation; some Christians equate his status to Augustine or Aquinas. In his 65,000-word treatise Von den Juden und Ihren Lügen “On the Jews and Their Lies,” he says, ‘They are the wicked and hardened people who did not suffer themselves to be converted from their evil to good deeds through preaching, teaching, chiding of the prophets, as Scripture testifies everywhere. Yet they want to be God’s servants and stand before Him! They are boastful, proud fools who to this day can not do more than to praise themselves because of their nobility and blood….They are real liars and bloodhounds….’(‘On the Jews and their lies.)
Moreover, Luther expressed shock at a series of Jewish teachings he discovered, such as, ‘Thus they call Him (Jesus) the child of a whore and His mother, Mary, a whore, whom she had in adultery with a smith.’ This grotesquely distorted narrative is confirmed in the Talmud. In a similar vein to Christians, Muslims adamantly denounce any narrative that may our attack Mary- Maryam (As), esteemed as the beautiful mother of the believers, honoured with an entire chapter in the Qur’an dedicated to her. Likewise, we as Muslims take profound offence to such assertions regarding Jesus- Esa (As), as we hold him in high regard as a mighty messenger, Messiah and Prophet of Allah. The Talmud asserts that Jesus is boiling in excrement, worshipped idols and practised sorcery.
On the other hand, with roots extending far beyond the era of Martin Luther, there exists a historical narrative within certain Christian circles attributing culpability of the Jews for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This enduring belief, upheld by many to this present age, perpetuates the notion that modern day Jews ought to shoulder the weight of this culpability. Christian leaders have evidently been reluctant to confront these beliefs directly. For instance, In 2019, John Earnest, a churchgoing evangelical Christian was charged with killing a Jewish woman at a synagogue in Poway, Calif—an act officials say he prefaced with a declaration containing both anti-Semitic tropes from the Internet and Christian theology from church—some pastors called for a national conversation on how evangelical pastors can clearly communicate that such beliefs are unacceptable in their congregations.
Despite all of this, Christian evangelicals continue to provide substantial support to Israel. For instance, Christians United for Israel spends $7 million annually on lobbying.
The founder of ‘Christians United for Israel,’ Pastor John Hagee, is a prominent Christian leader. He not only advocates for Israel but also harbours expansionist ambitions for the illegal, terrorist state of Israel. This is despite the fact that Israel has already stolen land which does not rightfully belong to it.
He claims that God has promised territories including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Turkey to Israel. He asserts that this will inevitably happen because it is God’s will.
Ironically, despite being openly anti-Semitic, Hagee, 83, continues to be a staunch supporter of the Fascistic Israeli regime. He has been embroiled in controversy for decades, facing repercussions after delivering a sermon in 2005 which he posted online in which he suggested God allowed Adolf Hitler to carry out the Holocaust to allow Jews to ultimately return to Israel. Hagee has also stated that the Anti Christ will be partially Jewish.
Christian evangelicals are pro-Israel because they believe it will hasten the return of Jesus.
‘The Old and New Testaments teach that before Christ can return to earth for His millennial kingdom the nation of Israel must be converted to Jesus as their Messiah and call on Him to save them. This is taught throughout the Bible (Lev. 26:40-42, 3:11-18; Hosea 5:15; Zech. 12:10; Matt. 23:37-39; Acts 3:19-21).’ ………”Many will be purged, purified and refined; but the wicked will act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand” (Dan.12:10). We see in this passage the continued theme of purging out the non-elect Jews during the tribulation but also see the rescue or salvation of the elect. These events are said to occur during “the end time” (Dan. 12:9).’
(Thomas D. Ice, ‘God’s Purpose for Israel During the Tribulation’)
It is worth noting that while support for Israel remains robust among evangelical baby boomers, it has markedly declined among evangelical Generation Z. A comprehensive analysis of public opinion surveys conducted between 2018 and 2021, as detailed in the book by Prof. Motti Inbari (UNC-Pembroke) and Dr. Kirill Bumin (BU), underscores this shift. Today, nearly half of young American evangelicals (under 30) support neither Israel nor the Palestinians (42.2 per cent). In 2018, this figure stood at 25 per cent while support for Israel was more than two-thirds (68.9 per cent) – over twice as many as in 2021. As late as 2021, only 33.6 per cent of young evangelicals conveyed support for Israel.
Jews hold the belief that the construction of a “Third Temple” is contingent upon the arrival of the awaited Messiah, who will inaugurate the “Kingdom of God.” Conversely, they believe that dire consequences await the Christians upon the Messiah’s return. Hence, Zionist Jews are exploiting Christian evangelicals to further their own objectives. Furthermore, there are ongoing documented instances of Christians having their rights infringed upon by the Israeli regime. This mistreatment extends to the destruction of historic churches and hostile acts, such as the religiously sanctioned spitting directed at priests and Christian tourists in Jerusalem.
