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How Israel Became a Favorite Cause Of the Conservative Christian Right
The Wall Street Journal ^ | Thursday, May 23, 2002 | TOM HAMBURGER and JIM VANDEHEI

Posted on 05/23/2002 5:52:52 AM PDT by TroutStalker

Edited on 04/22/2004 11:46:32 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The only Jew Matthew Eastburn remembers knowing until recently was his sinus doctor. But earlier this month, the 20-year-old Baptist walked into the orthodox Baron Hirsch Temple and started cheering.

Joining his pastor there, Mr. Eastburn waved an Israeli flag as local rabbis and a Republican congressman lashed out at Yasser Arafat and expressed their loyalty to the Jewish state. "It was thrilling," he said afterward. When the rally was over, he heeded a call for Christian conservatives nationwide to place a phone call to President Bush expressing support for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The White House comment line was jammed.


(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Israel; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS:
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1 posted on 05/23/2002 5:52:52 AM PDT by TroutStalker
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Comment #2 Removed by Moderator

To: TroutStalker
This is a really good article and points to the solidarity between Jews and Christians.

I hope that the Jewish voting bloc starts to understand that the frivolous charges by demoSTUPIDs that conservatives are antisemitic is total BUNK!

This is just another reason why the demoNUGGETs are as desperate as they are.

3 posted on 05/23/2002 6:06:28 AM PDT by mattdono
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To: spitbolt
I am fairly certain that the Von Braun reference is not named for Werner Von Braun.
4 posted on 05/23/2002 6:07:17 AM PDT by mattdono
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To: TroutStalker
Q: How did Israel become a favorite cause of the Christian Right?

A: Jesus was a Jew.


5 posted on 05/23/2002 6:08:36 AM PDT by ppaul
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Comment #6 Removed by Moderator

To: mattdono
I hope that the Jewish voting bloc starts to understand that the frivolous charges by demoSTUPIDs that conservatives are antisemitic is total BUNK!

Not a chance. Who do you think is behind the charge? Who is always dragging Christians to court for expressing their faith?

7 posted on 05/23/2002 6:17:00 AM PDT by LarryLied
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To: LarryLied
You know, the thing is the Dems have to run up VERY high minority totals (70% Hispanic, 90-95% Black, 80% Jewish).

If the Jewish vote merely goes 50-50, we win because we will have not only taken votes away, but a fair number of Jews also do pretty good fundraising work. More money for the ads and campaigns, you see.

And it's all from a principled backing of Israel, too.

8 posted on 05/23/2002 6:24:26 AM PDT by hchutch
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To: TroutStalker
Bump
to read later
9 posted on 05/23/2002 6:24:33 AM PDT by Fiddlstix
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To: TroutStalker
What the author failed to mention ( out of politeness ? ) was that some of the "Conservative Religious Right" devoutly believe supporting just about anything and everything Israel does will lead to a prophesied (?) wholesale conversion of Jews to Christianity .

From what I've read,this has led to considerable alarm among Jews;but, needing all the help they can get, they have been polite to people they consider almost as much of a threat to Israel as the Muslims.

10 posted on 05/23/2002 6:33:33 AM PDT by genefromjersey
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Comment #11 Removed by Moderator

To: spitbolt
it would only be ironic if you didn't believe in God.
12 posted on 05/23/2002 6:36:57 AM PDT by ckilmer
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Comment #13 Removed by Moderator

To: spitbolt
"Anyone see the irony? Werner Von Braun being a member of the SS and Nazi party."

Werner was not a Nazi, but a top-rate scientist. Thank God we got him and not the Russians. My dad met him several times many years ago and said that Werner was a #1 class act. This from a family of Southern Baptists 100% behind Israel.

14 posted on 05/23/2002 6:50:33 AM PDT by ohioman
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To: TroutStalker
How Israel Became a Favorite Cause Of the Conservative Christian Right

and how Arafat, Castro, and Red China became a favorite cause of the Liberal Left.

15 posted on 05/23/2002 6:52:19 AM PDT by Tai_Chung
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

To: genefromjersey
You are so full of shit. I grew up as a Southern Baptist in the Hunstville area and never remember ANYONE talking of converting Jews. We were taught that if you go against the Jews you go against God. You and Larrylied must be BrownShirt Bowling Buddies.
17 posted on 05/23/2002 6:53:49 AM PDT by ohioman
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To: spitbolt
I stand corrected (and somewhat shocked).
18 posted on 05/23/2002 6:54:03 AM PDT by mattdono
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To: genefromjersey
"Conservative Religious Right" devoutly believe supporting just about anything and everything Israel does will lead to a prophesied (?) wholesale conversion of Jews to Christianity .

I think if those exist they are the same Christians that think that teaching "doctrine" is legalistic and that pretty much anything goes in church too as long as you are emotionally moved to cry or laugh hysterically or roll on the floor.

19 posted on 05/23/2002 6:57:21 AM PDT by Terriergal
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To: ppaul
This article touches on all the human political reasons why Christians support Jews and Israel, but doesn't even mention the vastly more compelling BIBLICAL reasons which are really behind our support.
20 posted on 05/23/2002 6:59:05 AM PDT by berned
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To: Tai_Chung
and how Arafat, Castro, and Red China became a favorite cause of the Liberal Left.
Ya know... birds with the same feathers flock together kind' thing.
21 posted on 05/23/2002 7:00:47 AM PDT by Toidylop
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To: ckilmer
splain please... I'm confused.
22 posted on 05/23/2002 7:00:55 AM PDT by Terriergal
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To: spitbolt
It's not that much more ironic than the fact that the Apollo Program might have never succeeded without him.
23 posted on 05/23/2002 7:02:47 AM PDT by jpl
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Comment #24 Removed by Moderator

To: genefromjersey
What the author failed to mention ( out of politeness ? ) was that some of the "Conservative Religious Right" devoutly believe supporting just about anything and everything Israel does will lead to a prophesied (?) wholesale conversion of Jews to Christianity .

I believe that this is in part, true (shamefully so), but in part, a misunderstanding of Christian viewpoints. No doubt there are some Christians who support Israel solely for what they think they will eventually gain by her success, ie the end of the world as we know it and Christ's kingdom on earth, throne in Jerusalem etc. But that's not why most Christians support Israel, nor should it be.

We support Israel because the Jews are God's chosen people and He tells us to. We support Israel because God's covenant with His people is permanent and irrevocable and must be honored for as long as He says so, and He tells Jeremiah that the day the sun refuses to shine and the moon and stars don't appear in the sky is the day He breaks His promises to Israel - in other words - never. We support Israel because Paul tells us in Romans that their temporary blindness is the only thing that allows for our salvation in the meantime. He says that God has NOT forgotten Israel, that He has a plan for Israel that we can't begin to comprehend, because He is God and we are not, so don't get cocky in some false superiority - remember we are grafted into THEIR tree. We are to wait patiently for God to fulfil His plans in HIS time, not ours. Any Christian who supports Israel because they think that as a result they can somehow force God's prophetic hand is sorely mistaken and sadly misguided.

And if we've really done our homework, we can actually set all biblical claims aside and look at it from a completely secular, political and historical standpoint, and STILL support Israel because logic tells us who has the moral high ground and the facts on her side.

25 posted on 05/23/2002 7:05:19 AM PDT by agrace
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To: genefromjersey
Jews...needing all the help they can get, they have been polite to people they consider almost as much of a threat to Israel as the Muslims.

Baloney.
What garbage!

26 posted on 05/23/2002 7:05:21 AM PDT by ppaul
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Comment #27 Removed by Moderator

To: mattdono
Von Braun was the name of one of the German scientists that we brought over to help work on our space program. He was one of the chief individuals responsible for the rockets we used in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. If memory serves, he designed the Saturn V rocket: the one we used for the Moonshot.

Tuor

28 posted on 05/23/2002 7:07:52 AM PDT by Tuor
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To: spitbolt
Hmmm....it appears that your Werhner Von Braun-SS/Nazi assertion needs a little more support.

Do you have actual facts that connect him to the Nazi's? I must admit that I am not extremely familiar with the various people associated with the Nazis during WWII.

29 posted on 05/23/2002 7:15:10 AM PDT by mattdono
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Comment #30 Removed by Moderator

To: berned
>> This article ... doesn't even mention the vastly more compelling BIBLICAL reasons which are really behind our support.

Unsheathed and en guard, the Word of the Lord as my sword.
On your signal -- we will let them have it.
31 posted on 05/23/2002 7:24:27 AM PDT by God-fearer
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To: genefromjersey
What the author failed to mention ( out of politeness ? ) was that some of the "Conservative Religious Right" devoutly believe supporting just about anything and everything Israel does will lead to a prophesied (?) wholesale conversion of Jews to Christianity.

Some do, most don't. When my wife converted to Judaism, her "conservative religious right" sister and brother-in-law strongly supported her decision. (As did the rest of her family who are also mostly conservative and Christian, though not of the religious right.)

32 posted on 05/23/2002 7:25:17 AM PDT by Celtjew Libertarian
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To: spitbolt
Wehner Von Braun was most certainly a member of the Nazi Party, moreover he was an officer in the SS. I have no doubt that this was more for convenience than conviction, but he certainly was no angel. Had he been anything other than a brilliant scientist he would have certainly been brought to account for his treatment of 'workers' under his charge.

Hardly a class act. More the ultimate pragmatist.

I think it's time to break out the Tom Lehrer song about WvB:


Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun,
A man whose allegiance
Is ruled by expedience.
Call him a Nazi, he won't even frown,
"Ha, Nazi, Schmazi," says Wernher von Braun.

Don't say that he's hypocritical,
Say rather that he's apolitical.
"Once the rockets are up, who cares where they come down?
That's not my department," says Wernher von Braun.

Some have harsh words for this man of renown,
But some think our attitude
Should be one of gratitude,
Like the widows and cripples in old London town,
Who owe their large pensions to Wernher von Braun.

You too may be a big hero,
Once you've learned to count backwards to zero.
"In German oder English I know how to count down,
Und I'm learning Chinese!" says Wernher von Braun.

33 posted on 05/23/2002 7:30:04 AM PDT by Koblenz
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Comment #34 Removed by Moderator

To: mattdono
Do you have actual facts that connect him to the Nazi's?

Not completely familiar with von Braun's history in this connection, but the material that I have seen suggest that he was essentially apolitical, that he was one of those who believed in space travel, and became involved as a teenager with rocket enthusiasts, some of whom were Jewish and fled to the US in the 1930's. When the Germans started spending money on military rocketry he went to work for them, and was not opposed to building his country's military, even though Germany was under Nazi rule. During the war he came under suspicion because he was not a party member, and was actually detained by the Gestapo. After this he prudently joined the party, much as leading Soviet scientists became Communists.

While he was in overall charge of the rocket program, his direct concern was with the development and testing of rockets, not the manufacturing process, which took place in a different part of Germany. Like all major manufacturing centers during WWII in Germany, slave labor was used. In this sense, like any person responsible for manufacturing in WWII Germany, vonBraun has to be held responsible for not heroically opposing the policies of his government, which would inevitably have lead to his execution.

35 posted on 05/23/2002 7:32:35 AM PDT by Lucius Cornelius Sulla
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To: ohioman
BrownShirt Bowling Buddies ???????
36 posted on 05/23/2002 7:33:13 AM PDT by genefromjersey
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To: spitbolt
Werner Von Braun was NOT a member of the SS and most likely if he did join the NAZI party, which I believe he did not, he was coerced to in order to get funding for his projects. Like many scientists, his talents were abused by Hitler and the NAZI's.
37 posted on 05/23/2002 7:33:40 AM PDT by KC_Conspirator
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To: spitbolt
Tom Lehrer wrote a song about Wernher von Braun in the 1960's. The lyrics below support your view of the man.

Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun,
A man whose allegiance
Is ruled by expedience.
Call him a Nazi, he won't even frown,
"Ha, Nazi, Schmazi," says Wernher von Braun.

Don't say that he's hypocritical,
Say rather that he's apolitical.
"Once the rockets are up, who cares where they come down?
That's not my department," says Wernher von Braun.

Some have harsh words for this man of renown,
But some think our attitude
Should be one of gratitude,
Like the widows and cripples in old London town,
Who owe their large pensions to Wernher von Braun.

You too may be a big hero,
Once you've learned to count backwards to zero.
"In German oder English I know how to count down,
Und I'm learning Chinese!" says Wernher von Braun.

38 posted on 05/23/2002 7:35:11 AM PDT by Ziva
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To: TroutStalker
The WSJ has not been a great friend of Israel. This article appears to have a bias. It makes it appear that the support that Israel has gotten from conservative Christians comes from the cunning and wiles of Israeli lobbyists as well as the self-serving ambitions of Republican politicians.

It ignores the fact that Israel's support may have come because its cause is just. Israel's growing support also has a lot to do with the fact that after 9/11, many Americans can see that this nation is as much a target for Islamic hatred and destruction as Israel is.

We have gotten glimpses behind the curtain to see who are true enemies are, and now have some understanding of Islamic speak, and truly understand what is meant by "after Saturday, comes Sunday."

39 posted on 05/23/2002 7:35:24 AM PDT by Biblebelter
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To: TroutStalker
bump
40 posted on 05/23/2002 7:35:27 AM PDT by VOA
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To: Koblenz
I think it's time to break out the Tom Lehrer song about WvB:

I believe that what really bugged Lehrer about von Braun was that von Braun was a critical leader of the US space program and the development of our ICBM's. Lehrer was more of a Red than a pinko.

41 posted on 05/23/2002 7:37:02 AM PDT by Lucius Cornelius Sulla
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To: agrace
I'm familiar with the line of reasoning-but - wouldn't it be ironic ( I guess that's the best word, considering the fact I'm trying to be a respectful of others' beliefs as possible -)if the Muslims and the Christians turned out to be the " Gog and Magog " of the Apocalypse ????
42 posted on 05/23/2002 7:37:16 AM PDT by genefromjersey
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To: Koblenz
You beat me to it! Two great minds with but a single thought.
43 posted on 05/23/2002 7:37:26 AM PDT by Ziva
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To: Koblenz, Ziva
Tom Lehrer! Now you're dating yourselves. LOL.
44 posted on 05/23/2002 7:37:39 AM PDT by TroutStalker
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To: spitbolt
My advise is respect him but dont deify him.

Agreed!

45 posted on 05/23/2002 7:38:55 AM PDT by Lucius Cornelius Sulla
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To: TroutStalker
Conservatives support Israel because Israel is right. Conservatives support Israel because Israel is under attack, not the Arabs. Conservatives support Israel because Israel is the only responsible, reliable, pro-American, western Democracy in one of the most dismally oppressive areas of the world.

Further, conservatives, most of whom in the U.S. are Christians, make the cultural and religious connection between the Jewish Christ and the Jewish roots of Christianity, and the fact that the God of the Old Testament, the God of Israel, is also the Christian God.

Further, most conservatives, being intelligent and well read historically, are aware of the past record and current practise of what has got to be the most vile, violent, and intolerant religious cult to have ever existed, and the writings and behavior of its founder: Islam.

As for most American Jews being liberal Democrats, this has been true in the past and is true at present. However, Orthodox and Hassidic Jews tend to vote conservative because their value systems and morality are more reflective of conservative values.

The balance of American Jews tend to be liberal and Democratic because their ancestors came over here at a time when the Republican Party and the conservative elements of the Democratic Party were run by racists who wanted to exclude immigrants from eastern and southern Europe from the American social and political scene, and that included most Jewish immigrants. On the other hand, the corrupt political machines of the inner cities, where most of these people settled, were run by Democrats, and they welcomed anybody's vote and repaid them with patronage, while indoctrinating them with propaganda about evil Anglo-robber barons and the political party which represented them - the Republicans. This was also the case with many Italian and Irish and Polish immigrants.

HOWEVER, times and people have changed. And the propaganda spun by the Democratics is wearing thin, even on its most recent victims, the Hispanics and Blacks. For very many of these people, as for very many Jews, family values mean something, as does the American Dream, fundamental human freedom, and the right to live without onerous government control in an environment free of predatory criminals, perverts and illegal invaders.

Consequently, the Republican Party, if it remains true to its conservative roots, supports the correct party, n this case Israel, and uses some intelligent stratgies, can really bury the Socialistic homophilic, atheistic, anti-American zoo which has become the Democratic party.

The support for Israel by America's religious conservatives is merely the first step. By active recruiting among new immigrant groups, like some of the Hispanics, Asians, etc, who are small business owners, hard workers, and people with strong family values, they can destroy the liberal Democrats.

The Truth Shall Make Us Free.

46 posted on 05/23/2002 7:39:14 AM PDT by ZULU
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To: TroutStalker
Conservatives support Israel because Israel is right. Conservatives support Israel because Israel is under attack, not the Arabs. Conservatives support Israel because Israel is the only responsible, reliable, pro-American, western Democracy in one of the most dismally oppressive areas of the world.

Further, conservatives, most of whom in the U.S. are Christians, make the cultural and religious connection between the Jewish Christ and the Jewish roots of Christianity, and the fact that the God of the Old Testament, the God of Israel, is also the Christian God.

Further, most conservatives, being intelligent and well read historically, are aware of the past record and current practise of what has got to be the most vile, violent, and intolerant religious cult to have ever existed, and the writings and behavior of its founder: Islam.

As for most American Jews being liberal Democrats, this has been true in the past and is true at present. However, Orthodox and Hassidic Jews tend to vote conservative because their value systems and morality are more reflective of conservative values.

The balance of American Jews tend to be liberal and Democratic because their ancestors came over here at a time when the Republican Party and the conservative elements of the Democratic Party were run by racists who wanted to exclude immigrants from eastern and southern Europe from the American social and political scene, and that included most Jewish immigrants. On the other hand, the corrupt political machines of the inner cities, where most of these people settled, were run by Democrats, and they welcomed anybody's vote and repaid them with patronage, while indoctrinating them with propaganda about evil Anglo-robber barons and the political party which represented them - the Republicans. This was also the case with many Italian and Irish and Polish immigrants.

HOWEVER, times and people have changed. And the propaganda spun by the Democratics is wearing thin, even on its most recent victims, the Hispanics and Blacks. For very many of these people, as for very many Jews, family values mean something, as does the American Dream, fundamental human freedom, and the right to live without onerous government control in an environment free of predatory criminals, perverts and illegal invaders.

Consequently, the Republican Party, if it remains true to its conservative roots, supports the correct party, n this case Israel, and uses some intelligent stratgies, can really bury the Socialistic homophilic, atheistic, anti-American zoo which has become the Democratic party.

The support for Israel by America's religious conservatives is merely the first step. By active recruiting among new immigrant groups, like some of the Hispanics, Asians, etc, who are small business owners, hard workers, and people with strong family values, they can destroy the liberal Democrats.

The Truth Shall Make Us Free.

47 posted on 05/23/2002 7:39:26 AM PDT by ZULU
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To: Lucius Cornelius Sulla; spitbolt
Thanks for the information, fellow FREEPERs.

As they say, "You learn something everyday." I guess this was my lesson. (Can I go back to sleep now?)

48 posted on 05/23/2002 7:42:26 AM PDT by mattdono
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To: berned
The article also does not mention the moral reason that Christians and Republicans support Isreal as well. when

Alot has changed over the years. For the past 20 years it has been the Christain conservatives who have whole heartedly supported Isreal. Although this began as far back with William Buckley, this is mostly because of Reagan who supported Isreal because he saw a thriving democracy in a region filled with filthy savages and bloody tyrants. Nothing has changed with the liberal country club Republican types though.

Conversely, the left has changed on Isreal as well. Democrats have increasingly supported more anti-American and anti-Western causes, exposing a the hidden anti-Semitism of the liberal elite that has been overlooked for a long time.

49 posted on 05/23/2002 7:44:39 AM PDT by KC_Conspirator
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To: ohioman
Really? That's certainly fascinating theology you learned. Let me see; everyone should convert to the True Faith except for those who are ethnically God's chosen. Is this a wrong analysis?
50 posted on 05/23/2002 7:46:37 AM PDT by Phillip Augustus
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