Christian Zionism

Definition and Meaning

Zionism originally referred to a late nineteenth-century movement among Jews to establish a nation-state in the land of their ancestors. The name derives from Zion, an ancient name for Jerusalem. Christian Zionism refers to the current of thought that supports this movement from the standpoint of Christian faith. Christian Zionists hold that, in accordance with the covenant God made with Abraham, the promise of the land remains valid for the Jewish people today. They also understand the restoration of Israel as a stage preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the events of the end times.

Biblical and Historical Background

Supporters cite such passages as Genesis 12:3 ("And I will bless them that bless thee"), the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, and Romans 11:26 ("And so all Israel shall be saved").

The idea developed within nineteenth-century British and American evangelicalism. Particularly influential was dispensationalism, systematized by John Nelson Darby of the Brethren movement. Dispensationalism distinguishes the church and Israel as two distinct peoples of God. This interpretation spread widely among American fundamentalists through the Scofield Reference Bible, first published in 1909. Supporters viewed the founding of Israel in 1948 and the capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war as fulfillments of prophecy.

Critics hold the following positions:

• Reformed theologians who follow covenant theology maintain that, according to the New Testament, the heirs of the promise are all who believe in Christ. They cite passages such as Galatians 6:16.
• Supporters reject this view, calling it "replacement theology," meaning that the church has replaced Israel.
• Churches in the region of Palestine have criticized Christian Zionism for disregarding the plight of local Arab Christians and Palestinian residents. In 2006, several church leaders in Jerusalem reportedly issued a joint statement criticizing the ideology.

Christian Zionism in Korean Churches

In Korean churches, Christian Zionism is less an organized movement than a sentiment spread through eschatological preaching, prayer meetings for Israel, and pilgrimages to Israel.

• Presbyterian churches: Reformed Presbyterian seminaries officially teach covenant theology. However, some observers note that dispensationalist interpretations are widespread among church members through revival meetings, expository preaching on the Book of Revelation, and similar settings.
• Pentecostal and charismatic churches: These are generally regarded as placing comparatively greater emphasis on the restoration of Israel as a sign of the end times.
• Ecumenical bodies such as the National Council of Churches in Korea: These have issued statements expressing concern about harm to Palestinian civilians and about the cause of peace.

Positions thus vary widely even within a single denomination, depending on the individual and the congregation.