Can You Be A Christian And Hate Israel?

Q

I was on a site recently that called itself Christian but was basically devoted to bashing Jews and Israel. Their posts were just a lot of what I perceived as anti-Israel propaganda. They claimed that if people were made aware of the evil of Zionism and what it stands for then they would see “the truth.” When I identified myself as a Christian and a supporter of Israel, because of what the Bible says, I was mocked and called a “Zionist”. They told me I needed to have the courage to pray and ask the Lord to show me the truth about Israel and the Jews. Where do you think people like this stand as far as the Lord is concerned?

A

I’m not familiar with this particular site but assume they are followers of a false teaching called “replacement theology.” It holds that when Israel rejected the Messiah all the outstanding promises God had made to His people were transferred to the Church. They say that makes the Church “spiritual Israel”. Therefore, the Church has replaced Israel and there’s no reason for Israel to exist. Some even believe that if Israel didn’t exist many of the world’s problems could be solved and world peace could be achieved.

Speaking to the true Church, Jesus had this to say about people who falsely claim to have inherited Israel’s position.

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars–I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you (Rev. 3:9).