Christian Zionists are the antidote to anti-Semitism

The Jerusalem Connection, Int’l. (PDF) ^ | March-April, 2007 | Rev. James M. Hutchens, Ph.D., Chaplain (Brigadier General) U.S. Army (Ret.)

[Salem]

On January 14, 2007, a farewell celebration was given for a timehonored friend of Christian Zionists — Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Ayalon and his wife Anne. Among those who made remarks was the only survivor of the Holocaust serving in the U.S. Congress, Tom Lantos (D-12-CA). Always an eloquent and substantive speaker, Congressman Lantos said three times during his remarks, “Christians are the antidote to anti-Semitism in America.” Then he asked all Christians to stand while the rest applauded. It was a most surprising and humbling moment, especially for Christians.

As I have thought about Congressman Lantos’ declaration about the role of Christians vis-à-vis anti-Semitism, several observations come to mind.

First of all, I think it is necessary to set some parameters on use of the term “Christian.” Not all Christians are going to fight anti-Semitism. Unfortunately some, even whole denominations, boldly line up against the Jews. In thinly veiled charges of “anti-Zionism” or “anti-Israel imperialism,” some call for “divestment.” Most recently in a published book, former President Carter weighed in by actually charging Israel with “apartheid.” Some churches and pastors openly endorse supersessionism or replacement theology — the notion that the “church” is the new Israel and thus the only legitimate heir to the covenant promises of God. It is naive to expect these “Christians” to act as an antidote to anti-Semitism.

Closer to home for me are the views of evangelicals, because I consider myself an evangelical. I am finding that more and more evangelicals, while perhaps pro-Israel in their hearts, are reluctant to speak up, especially from the pulpit.  Some are afraid of being labeled “too political.” One megachurch pastor turned down exhibiting Bus #19, saying, “We have so many Arabs in our church and they would be offended.” Some believe that to be pro-Israel is to be automatically anti-Palestinian or anti-Arab.  Sadly, these Christians will not be much help in fighting anti-Semitism. For some, Jewish matters are just not a priority.  Their silence is and will be deafening.

I understood and deeply appreciated Congressman Lantos sentiments. We all did. However, it is more on target to say, Christian Zionists are the antidote to anti-Semitism in America. They are the people who will stand up and be counted because they believe in God’s eternal covenant with the Jews. They believe our own destiny rests with our Jewish elder brothers.

Second, Congressman Lantos’ claim that “Christians are the antidote to anti-Semitism in America” presents all Christians, especially Christian Zionists, with a daunting challenge. What can we do that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and other Jewish support agencies could not do better? They have been around a long time and are better organized and financed than we are. They have a well established network within the Jewish community. Some of the most informed and articulate spokesmen for their concerns live in America. How can we add to that?

What we add is the fact that we are Christians and not Jews. Everyone expects Jews to stand up for themselves against anti-Semitic onslaughts. However, with the large number of Christian Zionists in America, our voices will greatly enlarge the microphone as we speak out for others as we would for our own. Further, in view of our stained and often anti-Semitic past, Christians standing with Jews is not only a challenge but it means we have an opportunity to “get it right this time.”

Finally, Congressman Lantos’ proclamation presents an enormous responsibility for Christians. How it will be “fleshed out” remains to be seen. If the past is any indication, and I pray it is not, Christians’ courage may be sorely tested when called upon to secretly house the Anne Franks of our day. What if Corrie Ten Boom is the model to be replicated hundreds of times for Christians to fulfill their mandate as an “antidote?” Will we stand the test? Will we choose temporary personal peace over what is obviously right?

In any case, we had best be standing with our Jewish friends now against the growing world-wide anti-Semitism, which includes America, lest we eventually have to make the same gloomy confession made in 1945 by Rev. Martin Niemoller, a German pastor, during the Nazi era:

“First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.”

Wake up America! Wake up Christians!

And speak up! NOW!

[Salem]

[Salem]

In the same vein as the productive comments on the article, MK Erdan: Let's boost Evangelical ties, I was reminded of this article by Jim Hutchens Chaplain (Brigadier General) US Army (Ret.) President, The Jerusalem Connection International, in this article from their last magazine. He clarifies many things a little further.

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" ... It's time we recognized the nature of the conflict. It's total war and we are all involved. Nobody on our side is exempted because of age, gender, or handicap. The Islamofacists have stolen childhood from the world."—FReeper Retief
"Palestine is the wrong name for their State. It should be called Anarchy."—FReeper sgtbono2002
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A student told his professor he was going to "Palestine" to "fight for freedom, peace and justice,"—Orwellian leftist code words that mean "murder Jews."

[Salem]

Mainline Christian Anti-Semitism (Why Presbyterian, WCC and Lutheran churches side with terrorists).

[Salem]

Everyone take note of the religiousleft keyword. We will be using it a lot in the months ahead.

[SevenofNine]

COOL rack ittt

[Grizzled Bear]

Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.”

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I heard a version of this that included trade unionists.

But I had no freakin’ idea what a trade unionist was.

[Old_Mil]

Mainline Christian Anti-Semitism (Why Presbyterian, WCC and Lutheran churches side with terrorists).

This really isn't much of a mystery as it's the same half dozen suspects who are breaking ranks to support liberals and atheists on every issue from theology to gay marriage to abortion.

[SteveMcKing]

Point taken, but I resent the notion that ideology is a linear path.

“Protestant -> Catholic -> Jew -> Communist” ???

I know that isn’t what the good reverend intended, but that’s how some view the world unfortunately.

[tflabo]

Wow.... it never occurred to me before now.. the USA letters highlighted in the middle of JerUSAlem. Thanks....

[SJackson]

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