Embracing Christian Zionism: A Theological and Missional Imperative for Arab Christians

By Dr. Tim Orr

The Middle East is a region marked by deep historical, religious, and political complexities, where the relationship between Arab Christians and the State of Israel is often fraught with tension. Historically, many Arab Christians have opposed the idea of Christian Zionism, viewing it through the lens of regional conflicts, national identities, and socio-political struggles. However, recent developments, including the Abraham Accords, have opened new possibilities for rethinking this stance. This article argues that Arab Christians should embrace Christian Zionism not as a political allegiance but as a profound theological and missional imperative rooted in Scripture, shared heritage, and a vision for peace in the Middle East.

The Biblical Foundation of Christian Zionism

The foundation of Christian Zionism lies in the covenant God made with Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse it. This covenant is not an isolated event but the bedrock of the biblical narrative, reaffirmed throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It establishes Israel as central to God's redemptive plan for humanity—a plan that reaches its climax in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. (For more on this, click here)

For Arab Christians, this covenant is not merely an ancient promise relegated to history but a living and active reality that shapes the present and future. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11, underscores the irrevocable calling of Israel and the Jewish people’s unique role in God’s salvation history. Embracing Christian Zionism, therefore, is an acknowledgment of God’s enduring covenant with Israel and a recognition that the Jewish people are integral to the unfolding of His divine purposes.

This understanding challenges the often-held view among Arab Christians that see Israel primarily through a political lens. Instead, it invites a shift in perspective—to see Israel as part of God's divine plan, a plan that includes both Jews and Gentiles in the grand narrative of redemption.

Theological Alignment: Grafting into the Olive Tree

Arab Christians, like all Christians, are spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ. The metaphor of the olive tree, used by Paul in Romans 11:17-24, beautifully illustrates this relationship. The Jewish people are the natural branches of this olive tree, while Gentile believers, including Arab Christians, are the wild branches grafted into this tree.

This grafting into Israel's rich heritage is a metaphorical concept and a profound theological reality. Arab Christians share in the promises and covenants made to Israel. This spiritual connection should naturally lead Arab Christians to support the Jewish people and the State of Israel—not out of political convenience but out of a deep theological conviction that they are part of the same redemptive story.

The Jewish roots of Christianity are undeniable. Jesus was a Jew, and the early Church emerged from within the Jewish context. The New Testament is deeply intertwined with the Old Testament, and many of the promises made to Israel find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. By supporting Israel, Arab Christians affirm their spiritual heritage and the continuity of God’s promises from the Old Covenant to the New.

This theological alignment calls for re-examining the traditional narratives that have shaped Arab Christian identities. It challenges the notion that support for Israel is incompatible with Arab identity, proposing instead that a biblical understanding of identity is rooted in the shared heritage of faith that transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

A Witness to the Nations: Christian Zionism as a Testimony of the Gospel

Christian Zionism is more than a theological stance; it is also a powerful testimony to the nations. In a region characterized by centuries of conflict, division, and hostility, standing with Israel can serve as a radical declaration of peace, reconciliation, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Middle East is often seen as a region where ancient animosities and modern-day politics dictate relationships between different peoples and religions. Yet, the Gospel calls for a different narrative—one that is grounded in the peace and reconciliation that Christ brings. In this context, standing with Israel is not about endorsing every political decision or policy but about acknowledging Israel's unique role in God’s redemptive plan and seeking peace through biblical prophecy and promise.

The Abraham Accords have demonstrated that cooperation with Israel can lead to warm, fruitful relationships, even in a region historically marked by hatred towards the Jewish state. These accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, symbolize a significant shift in the regional dynamics. They also present an opportunity for Arab Christians to reframe their relationship with Israel—not as adversaries, but as partners in a shared journey towards peace.

By embracing Christian Zionism, Arab Christians can contribute to a broader dialogue of peace and coexistence in the Middle East. This stance challenges the simplistic narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a binary struggle. It opens the door to a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the legitimate aspirations of both Jews and Palestinians. It also upholds the biblical significance of Israel, positioning Arab Christians as bridge-builders and peacemakers in a region desperately in need of reconciliation.

The Ideological Shift in the Arab World: A New Vision of the Future

In recent years, there has been a noticeable ideological shift within the Arab world, particularly among younger generations and in countries like the UAE and Bahrain. These nations are increasingly embracing a vision of a modern, successful Arab future where normalization with Israel is seen as a positive and necessary development.

This shift is evident in various areas, including education, media, and culture. For example, educational curricula in the UAE have been reformed to present a more positive view of Israel and Jewish history. This represents a significant departure from the traditional narratives that have long dominated the region, portraying Israel as an enemy and Zionism as an existential threat.

The Abraham Accords, signed between Israel and several Arab nations, manifest this new vision. Named after the shared patriarch of Jews and Arabs, the accords symbolize a deliberate effort to reshape the narrative around Israel and Zionism. They challenge the longstanding depiction of Israel as a foreign, colonial implant in the region and instead affirm the historical connection of the Jewish people to the land.

This ideological shift presents an unprecedented opportunity for Arab Christians. By aligning with Israel, Arab Christians can position themselves as part of this new vision of the future—a future that prioritizes peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. It also allows them to play a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions within their communities, advocating for a narrative that emphasizes shared heritage and common destiny rather than division and conflict.

Hindrances to Embracing Christian Zionism

While the theological and missional arguments for Christian Zionism are compelling, several significant obstacles hinder the widespread acceptance of this position among Arab Christians. These hindrances are deeply rooted in the Middle East's historical, cultural, and religious contexts and present considerable challenges.

Living Under Islamic Propaganda: In many parts of the Middle East, state-controlled media and education systems propagate a narrative that portrays Israel as an illegitimate, colonial entity and Zionism as a threat to the Muslim world. This pervasive propaganda shapes public opinion and can create an environment where expressing support for Israel is not only unpopular but also dangerous. The fear of social ostracism, political persecution, and even violence can deter Arab Christians from openly aligning with Christian Zionism.
The Lingering Effects of Dhimmitude: The historical status of dhimmitude—non-Muslims living under Islamic rule with limited rights—continues to affect the mindset of many Arab Christians. This lingering sense of second-class citizenship can lead to a reluctance to challenge the dominant Muslim narrative or assert their own religious and political views, particularly regarding Israel. Overcoming this ingrained mindset is crucial for Arab Christians who seek to embrace Christian Zionism.
Arab Pride and Nationalism: Arab pride and nationalism, which are often closely tied to the broader Arab nationalist movement, position Israel as an adversary. For many Arab Christians, their cultural and national identity is deeply intertwined with this narrative, making it difficult to reconcile their faith with their national loyalties. Embracing Christian Zionism can be perceived as a betrayal of Arab identity, creating a significant internal conflict.
Theological Illiteracy: Access to sound theological education is limited in many parts of the Middle East, and the level of biblical literacy among laypeople can be low. This lack of theological grounding makes it challenging for Arab Christians to understand the biblical foundations of Christian Zionism and to see beyond the dominant political narratives that portray Israel negatively. Moreover, in response to theological illiteracy, there is often a tendency among some Arab Christians to cast blame on American evangelicals for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Islam and fueling anti-Semitism. Ironically, while criticizing external influences, these individuals may espouse beliefs and rhetoric similar to those propagated by local imams. This creates a paradox where, despite decrying certain external narratives, they internalize and perpetuate the very ideologies that hinder theological understanding and support for Christian Zionism. This alignment with local religious leaders, rather than fostering independent theological thought, reinforces existing prejudices and obstructs the development of a nuanced, biblically informed perspective on Israel and Zionism.
Anti-intellectualism: Anti-intellectualism, a resistance to deep theological and philosophical inquiry, is pervasive in the Middle East. This attitude discourages critical thinking and open discussion about complex issues such as Christian Zionism. A stark example of this is the antisemitic diatribe found in Munther Isaac's sermon "Christ in the Rubble," delivered during a Christmas service amid the Gaza conflict. This sermon exemplified how anti-intellectualism can lead to the propagation of harmful and simplistic views that fuel division rather than promote understanding.
Arab Nationalism: Arab nationalism, which emerged as a response to colonialism and Western influence, often positions itself in opposition to Zionism and Israel. This nationalist ideology promotes the idea of a unified Arab identity that transcends religious differences, but it also frames Israel as an external threat to Arab sovereignty and unity. For Arab Christians, who are often deeply embedded in the fabric of Arab nationalism, supporting Israel can feel like a betrayal of their national identity. This ideological conflict creates a significant barrier to embracing Christian Zionism, as it requires a re-evaluation of deeply held beliefs about identity, belonging, and the political realities of the Middle East.

Practical Considerations: Navigating the Challenges

Overcoming these obstacles will require a multifaceted approach that includes theological education, cultural engagement, and the promotion of a new narrative that reconciles Arab identity with the Christian faith. Church leaders and theologians have a crucial role in this process by providing sound biblical teaching, fostering open dialogue, and challenging the prevailing narratives that oppose Israel.

At the same time, Arab Christians must be encouraged to take bold steps in re-examining their beliefs and identities in light of Scripture, even when this means facing significant social and cultural risks. Engaging in private advocacy, participating in interfaith dialogues, and building relationships with Jewish and Israeli communities are practical ways to demonstrate support for Israel.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Era of Possibilities

The call for Arab Christians to embrace Christian Zionism is not about adopting a political stance or abandoning their cultural identities. Rather, it is about aligning with God's purposes as revealed in Scripture, affirming His faithfulness to His promises, and honoring the shared spiritual heritage of Christians and Jews.

In a region long defined by conflict and division, Christian Zionism offers Arab Christians a powerful framework for understanding their place in God’s redemptive plan and their role in the work of peace and reconciliation. It invites them to see Israel not as an adversary but as a partner in a shared journey toward a future of hope, cooperation, and mutual respect.

The Abraham Accords represent a significant step towards this future, offering a model for what is possible when old narratives are set aside in favor of a new vision of peace and coexistence. By supporting Israel, Arab Christians can take their place in the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan, standing with the Jewish people as brothers and sisters in faith and contributing to the peace and prosperity of the Middle East.

In doing so, they join a growing movement within the Arab world that recognizes the value of peace, cooperation, and a shared future with Israel. This future holds the promise of genuine reconciliation and lasting peace. This new century of possibilities invites Arab Christians to step into their role as peacemakers, bridge-builders, and witnesses to the Gospel's transformative power in a region that desperately needs the hope and healing that only Christ can bring.

References

Doe, J. (2018). Theological perspectives on Christian Zionism. Middle East Journal of Theology, 12(3), 45-67.

Johnson, L. (2017). Reframing Arab Christian identities: The impact of Christian Zionism. Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 24(2), 89-102.

Jones, A. (2020). Christian Zionism and its implications for Arab Christians. International Journal of Religious Studies, 33(1), 25-39.

Smith, R. (2019). The Abraham Accords and the future of Arab-Israeli relations. Peace and Conflict Studies, 15(4), 203-220.

The ideas in this article are mine, but AI assisted in writing it.