Evangelicals, It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Candace Owens

By Dr. Tim Orr

As followers of Christ, we are called to stand for truth, reject hatred, and live as witnesses to the love and justice of God. This means confronting falsehoods wherever they arise, even when they come from someone we once respected. Candace Owens has crossed a line. Her recent statements about Israel and the Jewish people are not simply misguided opinions—they are dangerous, deeply rooted in antisemitic rhetoric, and they require a clear, unequivocal response from the Church.

This is more than a cultural or political issue. This is a spiritual test for evangelicals. Will we stand with God’s chosen people, honor the truth of His Word, and reject hatred, or will we turn a blind eye to antisemitism disguised as “commentary”? The choice before us is clear.

Laurie Cardoza-Moore, a respected evangelical leader, put it plainly: Owens has “verged into the abyss of blind Jew-hatred.” Countries like Australia and New Zealand have barred her entry, and major platforms like The Daily Wire have cut ties, yet her influence continues to spread. As evangelicals, we cannot afford to remain silent. To do so would betray not only the Jewish people but also the very God we claim to serve.

Why This Matters: God’s Heart for Israel

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals God’s unwavering covenant with the Jewish people. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This promise has never been revoked. The Jewish people remain central to God’s redemptive plan. Through Israel, we received the Scriptures, the Messiah, and the gospel that has transformed our lives.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 11:17-18 that as Gentile believers, we have been “grafted in” to the rich root of Israel. This truth should humble us and remind us of the debt we owe the Jewish people. To dishonor or vilify them is to oppose the very plan of God.

Candace Owens has chosen to ignore this biblical truth. Her accusations of genocide against Israel, her dismissal of the Holocaust, and her promotion of antisemitic conspiracies are not merely political missteps—they are spiritual rebellion. Owens is peddling lies that stand in direct opposition to the heart of God.

Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred

To understand why Owens’ words are so dangerous, we must confront the reality of antisemitism—the oldest and most persistent hatred in human history. For over two millennia, the Jewish people have been scapegoated, vilified, and persecuted. From the Roman Empire to medieval Europe, from pogroms to the Holocaust, antisemitism has taken countless forms and claimed countless lives.

In Ancient Times – Jews were condemned for refusing to bow to pagan gods. Their distinct faith and practices made them easy targets for persecution.
The Middle Ages – The blood libel emerged, accusing Jews of murdering Christian children to use their blood in rituals. This horrific lie led to massacres and expulsions throughout Europe.
The Modern Era – Antisemitic propaganda fueled Nazi ideology, culminating in the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were systematically murdered.

Antisemitism evolves with the times, but its goal remains the same: to vilify and destroy God’s chosen people. Today, antisemitism often disguises itself as anti-Zionism. Instead of attacking Jews as individuals, modern antisemitism targets Israel—the Jewish homeland. Owens’ accusations against Israel, her promotion of conspiracies, and her rhetoric about Zionism fit perfectly into this modern form of hatred.

Owens’ words are not harmless. They are echoes of a long, tragic history—a history that Christians have sometimes been complicit in. For centuries, parts of the Church perpetuated antisemitic theology, justifying violence and exclusion. Even Martin Luther, a hero of the Reformation, wrote vicious attacks against Jews later in life. These sins should grieve us and compel us to break the cycle. We cannot allow antisemitism to take root again, especially within the Church.

Owens’ Conspiracy Theories: Modern Lies with Ancient Roots

One of the most troubling aspects of Owens’ rhetoric is her embrace of conspiracy theories, many of which draw directly from historical antisemitic tropes. These lies have fueled hatred for centuries, and Owens is now amplifying them to a massive audience.

Downplaying the Holocaust – Owens called reports of Nazi experiments on Jews “bizarre propaganda,” a chilling flirtation with Holocaust denial. The Holocaust was not a myth or exaggeration; it was a systematic attempt to eradicate an entire people. Denying or minimizing it dishonors the memory of 6 million Jewish victims and encourages those who continue to spread antisemitic lies.
Accusing Israel of Genocide – After Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7, Israel responded to defend its citizens. Owens accused Israel of genocide—a claim that ignores the reality of Hamas’ violence and recklessly aligns her with groups that seek Israel’s destruction. This accusation feeds into a broader campaign to delegitimize Israel’s very existence.
Resurrecting the Blood Libel – In an online dispute, Owens “liked” a tweet accusing a Jewish rabbi of being “drunk on Christian blood.” The blood libel is one of history’s most dangerous lies, used to justify violence against Jewish communities for centuries. For Owens to engage with this language—even indirectly—is shocking and unacceptable.
Misrepresenting Jerusalem – Owens claimed Israel “forces” Muslims to live in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, comparing it to Jim Crow laws. This is factually false. Jerusalem’s quarters—Muslim, Christian, and Jewish—reflect its shared history, and no one is “forced” to live anywhere. Owens’ comparison distorts reality and inflames tensions.
Demonizing Zionism – Owens has described Zionism as “evil.” Zionism is not oppression; it is the belief that the Jewish people have the right to a homeland in Israel, a right deeply rooted in Scripture and history. To attack Zionism is to attack the Jewish people’s identity and survival.

These conspiracies are not just misinformation but dangerous lies with real consequences. History shows us where these ideas lead, and as Christians, we must confront them with truth.

The Church’s Test: Will We Stand for Truth?

Candace Owens’ descent into antisemitism exposes a fault line within evangelicalism. Are we willing to prioritize biblical truth over political convenience? Owens built her platform by speaking on cultural and moral issues that resonate with many Christians. However, her stance on Israel and the Jewish people reveals a deeper problem: a person’s political alignment does not make them trustworthy on spiritual matters.

If we tolerate Owens’ antisemitism, we send a message to the world that our faith is shallow, that we are willing to overlook hatred for the sake of political alliances. Worse, we betray the very people God has called us to bless.

It’s Time to Act: What Can We Do? My Suggestions

Stop Supporting Owens’ Platform—don’t watch, share, or promote her content. Owens thrives on attention, and we have the power to take it away.
Speak Up for Truth – Educate others about the dangers of antisemitism and the biblical significance of Israel. Don’t be silent in the face of hatred.
Stand with the Jewish People – Build relationships with Jewish neighbors, pray for Israel, and show love and support in tangible ways.
Know Your Bible – Study what Scripture says about God’s covenant with Israel. Antisemitism thrives where biblical ignorance prevails.
Prioritize Christ Over Politics – Our loyalty is to Christ, not to pundits or personalities. When someone promotes hatred, we must reject it—even if they align with us on other issues.

The Church’s Moment to Shine

Candace Owens’ rhetoric allows the Church to show the world who we are. Will we reject hatred, stand for truth, and reflect the love of Christ? Or will we allow antisemitism to gain a foothold among us?

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Let’s shine brightly. Let’s be known as people who love God’s Word, stand with His people, and reject hatred in every form.

It’s time to say goodbye to Candace Owens—not with anger, but with courage, clarity, and a renewed commitment to truth. The world is watching—and more importantly, so is God.

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet” (Isaiah 62:1).

Let us stand firm. Let us get this right.

References

Kamman, S. (2024, December 9). Evangelical leader says churches must 'close the doors' on Candace Owens over Israel remarks. The Christian Post. Retrieved from [URL here].

Wistrich, R. S. (1991). The longest hatred: Anti-Semitism over time. New York: Pantheon Books.

Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.