Acclaimed reporter and former Vietnam correspondent, Alan Hart, is the author of “Zionism The Real Enemy of the Jews, Volume One: The False Messiah. In the prologue titled “Waiting for the Apocalypse, p. 26, he cites staff writer Jane Lampman’s report in (Monitorworld, March 6-12, 2004).
Her report headlined: THE END OF THE WORLD: THE DEBATE HEATS UP. She wrote that “the interest in end-times prophecy has spread beyond their circles and is not only shaping people’s lives, but even influencing United States foreign policy. She referred to the minority of fundamentalist American Christians.
(CUFI) Christians United for Israel, lobbyist John Hagee‘s video “Countdown to the Final End” lists his 10 reasons for believing that our generation will see the end of the world, even if it means a nuclear holocaust between the state of Israel and the Arab world. According to the back cover of his book, Jerusalem Countdown, such a catastrophe “will affect every person on planet earth.”
Many Christians, religious and non-Zionist Jews fear being labeled “anti-Semitic” for speaking out against the Zionist movement, even while knowing clearly that ethical and moral Judaism is worlds apart from the political agenda of “Zionism.”
Defining Zionism
A most peculiar anomaly is the marriage styled “Christian Zionism” as advocated by Hagee. Now, everyone who understands and accepts the Bible is a Zionist in some fashion, including this writer. The issue is we all mean something different by that word.
There are religious Judaic Zionists who practice the Zionism of the Old Testament. There are “Christian Zionists” who support the modern political state of Israel which opposes religious Judaism (See Jews United Against Zionism), as a non-political state. The Zionists’ agenda is focused on a future world dominated and ruled by their movement.
“Christian Zionists,” as the term is popularly used today are those who see the end times prophecies of both Old and New Testaments as imminent in bringing about this world-ending change. They are mainly preoccupied with geographical territory, political power and nuclear holocausts of the Arab world. This is not a new issue, but the same national (now international) blindness that existed in the time of Christ. This debate was settled long before it ever got to its earth threatening stage we see it as today.
On the other hand, there are Christ-centered Zionists who understand that true Zionism has nothing whatsoever to do with territorial land borders, national politics and nuclear warheads. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that the time would come that neither in Mt. Gerizim (in Samaria or Northern Israel), nor in Jerusalem (Judea) would men worship the Father. (John 4:20-24).
Christ Labeled “Anti-Semitic by Political Zionists of His Day
The political Zionist leaders of Christ’s day decided this Palestinian leader was too much of a threat for their nationalist regime. Their “cloak of righteousness” was unveiled by the hypocrisy revealed in their true politically motivated machinations. “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will come and take away both our place and our nation.'” (John 11:47-48).
However, the political agenda of those who rejected Christ’s teaching ignored his message that God’s mountain no longer resided in Palestine, but in the Father himself, and is spiritual. This message so aggravated the Jews (political and national Zionists of Jesus’ day) that they labeled him “anti-Semitic,” and crucified the one Palestinian whom Pilate named “KING OF THE JEWS!”
Why this Anti-Semitic charge against Christ? He refused to be the “Prime Minister” of their political machine. They wanted a “king like all the nations” to rule in the land as had David in the past. This in spite of the fact that God Himself said from the very beginning that such a king was a sign of rebellion against Him (1 Samuel 8:3f; 10: 19; 12: 17f). They even held a convention and attempted to take him by force to create a new political Zionist state. Christ refused that offer just as he had earlier rejected Satan’s offer of political world domination (John 6:15, Matthew 4:8-11).
Disappointed and desperate that their attempts failed, the congress of political Zionists held a secret council meeting. At that meeting they labeled Christ as an insurrectionist and enemy of the Jewish state (Luke 23:1-4), maintaining the charge despite his sworn testimony under oath before Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36), i.e. not located in Palestine, as he affirmed to the Samaritan woman per above.
Humiliation and Persecution of Christ and His Palestinian Followers
He then became a condemned political prisoner, and suffered the humiliation of an illegal mock trial in which he received a death sentence. Following this, the (High Priest, or president of the council) declared a war on terror, seeking to ethnically cleanse the nation of his disciples and chased them out of the land, (Acts 4-8:1). That’s quite a charge against a man who taught his disciples to “turn the other cheek” and refused to let them carry swords (hi-tech artillery of his day).
Christ was an advocate of true Zionism. It was neither Judaic (as noted above), like those who crucified him nor political and non-Judaic as that today.* But,* a Zionist He was and is. He would rule in Zion (Psalm. 110:2). To this very day his throne sits upon the top of Mt. Zion, God’s holy hill, (Psalm 2:6)
Again in his prologue, Hart writes the following in an attempt to define true Zionism. “For those readers who are not intimately familiar with the terminology of the conflict I should point out that the Zion of spiritual Zionism is Mount Zion in Jerusalem.” (Zionism The Real Enemy of the Jews, The False Messiah, p. 28). He contrasted current political Zionism from Judaic Zionism.
It should be clear from Christ’s words and actions noted above, that he did not advocate a Zionism rooted in the mountain or territory of Israel in any form or fashion. Yet, he rules in Zion.
True Zionism In The New Testament
Three books of the New Testament clearly delineate between true Zionism and political or Judaic Zionism. The first is Galatians.
In chapter 4:24-27, Paul speaks of:
- two women, Hagar and Sarah,
- two covenants, the Old and the New,
- two spiritual conditions, bondage and freedom,
- which represent two Zionist movements.
Political or National Zionism Versus True Zionism in Galatians
One, the political national state of Jerusalem was spiritually enslaved with her children as represented by Hagar the Egyptian.The next he described as the heavenly Jerusalem (i.e. not of this world), represented by Sarah,* the freewoman and her children of the promise.
Note that the bondwoman symbolically representing national Israel, was “cast out” (v. 30), that she and her son might not inherit with the freewoman. This means the Zionism of Old Covenant Judaism is not a part of true spiritual, heavenly Zionism.
Political or National Zionism Versus True Zionism in Hebrews
The next example is found in Hebrews 12:18-23, where the writer contrasts the Mountain in Sinai where the Old Covenant was given (to be compared with Galatians 4:25), and Mt. Zion, the heavenly city of Jerusalem, where Christ is king. Note that Zion in the text is called the city of the living God and the church,* (ekklesia), of Christ, in contrast to the political state of Israel situated in Palestine.
The last example in Revelation where the old city of Jerusalem which convicted Christ of “anti-Semitism” and crucified him on a cross outside the gates is called the “great city” (Revelation 11:8), and is once again spiritually styled as Egypt, implying bondage.
The descriptive phrase, “where also our Lord was crucified” identifies the city as Jerusalem. It could not be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem, (Luke 13:33). That same “great city” is burned by the Romans (Revelation 17:16-17; Luke 21:20-22), the very ally they feigned a treaty with (“we have no king but Caesar”) to wage their “war on terror” against the true Zionists, i.e. Christ and the church.
As the book of Revelation closes, we see the heavenly Jerusalem (compare with the Jerusalem above of Galatians 4:26), coming down out of heaven (not Palestine) as a bride adorned for her husband. To see this woman, John was taken to the top of a very high mountain, to see this new holy city coming down out of heaven from God. It is the true Jerusalem from heaven which has now come down to be with men.
What Is Zionism and Who is Anti-Semitic? – A Three-Sided Coin
So, now, who is “anti-Semitic?” Is it the religious Jewish Zionists who oppose political Zionism? The latter would say yes. Is it political Zionists who oppose religious Judaic Zionism? The latter would say yes. Or is it either or both who opposes Christ-centered Zionism (not to be confused with the right-wing political Zionist supporters) who see and understand that true Zionism is neither a political national state on earth nor part of Jewish religion?
Remember 70 A.D. – The Day of Reckoning for Ethnic Cleansing
It was a very sad day in Israel, when “ethnic cleansing” came home to roost. The Roman invasion of Judea which destroyed the temple and political state of Israel in A.D. 70,* was Christ’s final answer to the High Priest (Matthew 26:64). Christ had no desire to reign in literal Jerusalem over a political regime. He sits upon the throne and reigns from Mount Zion in the heavens at the right hand of God. His scepter is a scepter of righteousness. His kingdom is neither anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, nor anti-Christian welcoming all who follow righteousness to dwell with him on true Zion’s holy hill.
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ZIONISM-
BEHIND EACH & EVERY ROCK ONE OF THESE VIPER'S COWERS READY TO STRIKE OPPOSITION.
The question isn't "Have you tried Wheaties?" but "Have you read EDWARD IRVING IS UNNERVING on Google?"
I have now…and thanks for the reference…Now that I'm more aware of how Tommy Ice and other Left Behinders seek to cover up the Irvingites' influence we'll make sure the latter gets the credit they deserved.
"Roots of (Warlike) Christian Zionism" on Google etc. is an eye-opener also! Brent
PRETRIB RAPTURE POLITICS
Many are still unaware of the eccentric, 180-year-old British theory underlying the politics of American evangelicals and Christian Zionists.
Journalist and historian Dave MacPherson has spent more than 40 years focusing on the origin and spread of what is known as the apocalyptic "pretribulation rapture" – the inspiration behind Hal Lindsey's bestsellers of the 1970s and Tim LaHaye's today.
Although promoters of this endtime evacuation from earth constantly repeat their slogan that "it's imminent and always has been" (which critics view more as a sales pitch than a scriptural statement), it was unknown in all official theology and organized religion before 1830.
And MacPherson's research also reveals how hostile the pretrib rapture view has been to other faiths:
It is anti-Islam. TV preacher John Hagee has been advocating "a pre-emptive military strike against Iran." (Google "Roots of Warlike Christian Zionism.")
It is anti-Jewish. MacPherson's book "The Rapture Plot" (see Armageddon Books etc.) exposes hypocritical anti-Jewishness in even the theory's foundation.
It is anti-Catholic. Lindsey and C. I. Scofield are two of many leaders who claim that the final Antichrist will be a Roman Catholic. (Google "Pretrib Hypocrisy.")
It is anti-Protestant. For this reason no major Protestant denomination has ever adopted this escapist view.
It even has some anti-evangelical aspects. The first publication promoting this novel endtime view spoke degradingly of "the name by which the mixed multitude of modern Moabites love to be distinguished, – the Evangelical World." (MacPherson's "Plot," p. 85)
Despite the above, MacPherson proves that the "glue" that holds constantly in-fighting evangelicals together long enough to be victorious voting blocs in elections is the same "fly away" view. He notes that Jerry Falwell, when giving political speeches just before an election, would unfailingly state: "We believe in the pretribulational rapture!"
In addition to "The Rapture Plot," MacPherson's many internet articles include "Famous Rapture Watchers," "Pretrib Rapture Diehards," "Edward Irving is Unnerving," "America's Pretrib Rapture Traffickers," "Thomas Ice (Bloopers)," "Pretrib Rapture Secrecy" and "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty" (massive plagiarism, phony doctorates, changing of early "rapture" documents in order to falsely credit John Darby with this view, etc.!).
Because of his devastating discoveries, MacPherson is now No. 1 on the "hate" list of pretrib rapture leaders!
There's no question that the leading promoters of this bizarre 19th century end-of-the-world doctrine are solidly pro-Israel and necessarily anti-Palestinian. In light of recently uncovered facts about this fringe-British-invented belief which has always been riddled with dishonesty, many are wondering why it should ever have any influence on Middle East affairs.
This Johnny-come-lately view raises millions of dollars for political agendas. Only when scholars of all faiths begin to look deeply at it and widely air its "dirty linen" will it cease to be a power. It is the one theological view no one needs!
With apologies to Winston Churchill – never has so much deception been foisted on so many by so few!
[Also Google "David Letterman's Hate, Etc."]
Thanks for your insights.
Isn't it great that the Bible says that only the Jews are chosen and that Christ was a Jew, in fact He lived and died a Jew…and Mary. Jesus said, 'I came only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' God said, The promised land for the chosen people – the Jews. One covenant for the chosen race, the Jews. Of course, this could be all bull, but then, I didn't write the Bible. What intrigues me is how many antisemites are around, hiding under various guises, but all showing their hand. Some feign to care about Palestinians, when it isn't the love of God or the Palestinian plight that fires them, but hate of Jews. So many vicars, priests, ministers and even some Muslim leaders all have one thing in common, hatred of Jews. Although of course many have never even met a Jew. The problem is, jealousy. They all wanted to be chosen…but weren't. Not my fault, I didn't write it. Take it up with God if you have a problem, don't take it out on Jews.
You are so right that Christ "was" a Jew and in fact lived and died a Jew. However, he was not a "Zionist" in the modern sense of that term, i.e. as it is applied to the modern "state" of Israel. But, you stop short in your descriptions of Christ. Death "freed" him from his "Jewish" heritage and "covenant" obligations just as death frees all men. "Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?…Therefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another–to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. (Rom. 7:1, 4).
Therefore, since His death, Jesus is no longer a "Jew" according to the flesh."For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart whose praise is not from men but from God." (Rom. 2:28-29).
For this reason Paul, (a former Jew of most zealous type, a Pharisee, Gal. 1:23; Phil. 3:6), wrote: "Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Cor. 5:16-17). Thus, the fleshly, Old Covenant status of "Jews" is obsolete. God's new chosen people/nation are believers in Christ who are the true sons of Abraham by faith in Jesus Christ. That would exclude unbelievers of all types, not simply one ethnic group or nationality. "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus…And if you are Christ's then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs (now inheritors) of the promise. (Gal. 3:26-29).
Peter, affirms to believers in Christ, "But you are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (1 Pet. 2:9-10). This text includes the Gentiles among whom Israel (10 northern tribes) was "swallowed up" (Hos. 8:8).
The guise of being a fleshly Jew apart from faith in Christ is a wool blanket pulled over the eyes of the uninformed. Slowly but surely, the world is waking up to the deception. Thus, Jesus, Paul and all Christian Jews renounced "political nationalist Judaism" to be the true followers of Christ and God. They were not antisemitic and neither are we. Paul, and Christ, considered a turncoat among the "political nationalist Zionists" of their day had no hatred for Jews. The charge is a camouflage and cry for pity to a people who in their present behavior deserve no more and no less respect than any other human being on earth, including Palestinians, Christians or Muslims.
Therefore, if you don't like the fact that God pronounced His eternal judgment on the Jewish nation in A.D. 70, when their covenant, temple, law, and people were destroyed by the Roman army, then it is you who must take the matter up with God. The facts of history stand. The Jewish nation was weighed in the balance and found wanting. Hence Peter said, "For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all thins, whatever he says to you. 'And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.'" (Acts 3:22-23). Your cry of jealousy is childless and it is your fault that you don't consider all the facts.