Is Christian Zionism a ‘harmful and damaging’ ideology?
As someone deeply invested in building bridges between Jews and Christians, I’ve watched with concern the recent controversy over the term “Christian Zionism.” On January 17, 2026, the “Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem” issued a joint statement that has ignited a firestorm among global Christian communities. Their vague statement warned that “recent activities undertaken by local individuals” were advancing “damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism,” which they claimed, “mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock.”
This declaration didn’t just stop at ideology; it asserted that these activities, supported by political actors in Israel and beyond, could jeopardize the Christian presence in the Holy Land and the wider Middle East. Moreover, the patriarchs emphasized that they “alone represent the Churches and their flock” on matters of Christian religious, communal and pastoral life, dismissing outside claims as harmful to unity.
This statement was a direct shot across the bow at evangelical Christians who have long been steadfast allies of Israel. It’s not my place as an Orthodox Jew to get into issues that divide people who profess to be Christians, but neither do I understand why for any reason the idea of Christian Zionism should be divisive, or be singled out as the only such “damaging ideology.” As one close pastor friend said to me, its “kinda hard to believe that people actually need to have that conversation. … Just read the Bible people! Pretty clear that the Lord himself is a Zionist! And it’s not like it’s even inferred. … It’s explicitly stated!”
For years, I’ve seen how Christian Zionism – rooted in a biblical understanding of God’s covenants with the Jewish people – has brought millions of Christians to stand with Israel, not out of political expediency, but from a place of scriptural conviction. It deepens the roots of their own faith. In a conversation years ago with a major Christian Zionist leader, I asked how and why he became the advocate he is. He recounted that the day Israel was born, his father sat with him at the kitchen table, pointing to his Bible and said, “This proves that every word is true.”
Yet, here it’s being labeled as divisive, as if supporting the Jewish return to their homeland is antithetical to Christian harmony. The Patriarchs’ words echo a historical tension within Christianity, where differing theological lenses on Israel and the Jews rooted in replacement theology still create rifts. Supersessionism, the idea that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan, has long clashed with restorationist views that see the modern State of Israel as fulfillment of prophecy. In Jerusalem, where Christianity’s roots run deep, such debates aren’t abstract – they affect real communities and pilgrimages.
Enter U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a prominent evangelical leader and former governor, who didn’t hesitate to respond on X. His statement was a measured yet passionate defense of evangelical perspectives. Huckabee wrote, “I love my brothers and sisters in Christ from traditional, liturgical churches and respect their views, but I do not feel any sect of the Christian faith should claim exclusivity in speaking for Christians worldwide or assume there is only one viewpoint regarding faith in the Holy Land.” He positioned himself within a “global and growing evangelical tradition that believes the authority of Scripture and the faithfulness of God in keeping His covenants. That includes His covenant with Abraham and the Jewish people.”
Huckabee delved deeper into the theological heart of the matter, reminding readers that “My Christian faith is built on the foundation of Judaism, and without it, Christianity would not exist. Without the Judeo-Christian worldview, there would be no Western civilization, and without Western civilization, there would be no America.” He rejected the notion that God could break a covenant, calling it “anathema to those of us who embrace Holy Scripture as the authority of the church.” If God could renege on His promises to the Jews, Huckabee argued, “then what hope would Christians have that He would keep His covenant with us?” This is a profound point – one that underscores why so many Christians see Israel’s existence as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
On the term “Christian Zionism” itself, Huckabee noted it’s “too often used in a pejorative manner to disparage free-church believers, of which there are millions across the planet.” He defined a Zionist simply as someone who “accepts that the Jewish people have a right to live in their ancient, indigenous and Biblical homeland.” For him, it’s not about endorsing a specific government or policy, but honoring “the Biblical revelation as given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Huckabee called for unity on shared values like the sanctity of life, sacred marriage, individual autonomy, alleviating suffering and God’s grace, urging, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!”
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), a leading organization promoting Christian support for Israel, also weighed in strongly. In their response, they took issue with the patriarchs’ characterization, stating, “As Christians, we adhere to a Zionism that is purely biblical in origin, belief, scope and practice – reflecting our sincere faith convictions and not shifting political objectives.” ICEJ emphasized that “The promised restoration of Israel in modern times enjoys ample biblical credentials in both the Old and New Testaments. The Jewish return to the Land of Israel both reflects and affirms the faithful nature and character of God to always keep His sworn covenant promises, thereby strengthening the Christian faith rather than damaging or undermining it.”
The ICEJ highlighted the historical depth of this belief, noting that “the promised Jewish return to Zion has been taught and embraced by many devout Christians throughout the Church age, from the original Apostles and some of the early Church fathers to medieval clergymen, right up to the modern-day Protestant and Evangelical church movements. Christian Zionism thus predates Supersessionism and will survive its passing.” They even cited Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, who supported Biblical Zionism, saying Christians should “rejoice in the Jewish return to the Land of Israel as a fulfilment of biblical prophecy.” ICEJ advocated for dialogue over public spats, chiding the Patriarchs statement that “our shared Christian Scriptures counsel that it is better to address any differences we may have about doctrine and beliefs firstly in direct dialogue among brethren, rather than through the media.”
This controversy isn’t just theological navel-gazing; it has real-world implications. In a region fraught with conflict, Christian unity is vital. From my vantage point, as President of the Genesis 123 Foundation, I’ve witnessed how Christian Zionists have poured resources into Israel – humanitarian aid, tourism and advocacy – strengthening ties that benefit everyone. Even more than resourced, Christians worldwide support and pray for Israel based on God’s injunction: that’s God’s currency. Labeling this as “damaging” risks alienating allies at a time when the anti-Semitism is rising globally. Perhaps the Patriarchs fear external influences diluting their authority, but true unity comes from dialogue, as both Huckabee and the ICEJ suggest.
Evangelicals aren’t trying to supplant local churches; they’re expressing a biblically driven love for Israel, which is not only not harmful and damaging, but is Divine. As Huckabee poignantly asked, why wouldn’t every Christian be a Zionist? It’s a question that deserves prayerful consideration, not dismissal.
In the spirit of dialogue and constructive conversations, not widening divisions, and building bridges between Jews and Christians, the Genesis 123 Foundation is hosting a webinar with expert panelists, Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. Israel time/11 a.m. Eastern (U.S.). The webinar is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.