Can Israel’s claim to the Land be upheld theologically? This is an excellent book on an important, provocative topic. From the outset we know we are going to be treated to a biblical explanation and provided, as the subtitle suggests, with ‘fresh perspectives on Israel and the Land’.

The editor, Gerald McDermott, does a fine job with his introduction, ‘What is the New Christian Zionism?', and the opening two chapters (which form Part One), entitled ‘Theology’ and ‘History’. After that there are nine further chapters written by experts in their fields before the whole is rounded off by McDermott with a chapter on ‘Implications and Propositions’.

The book’s main thesis is that Christian Zionism should not be assumed to be “an outgrowth of premillennial dispensational theology” (p11). The Christian Zionism proposed in this book is not directly connected to dispensationalism, looking instead to a long history of Christian Zionists who lived before its rise to popularity, and also to those in the last two centuries who had nothing to do with this particular theology.

Whole Story of Scripture

Instead, the book concentrates on the centrality of Israel and the Land to the whole story of the Bible (not just some future eschatological scheme). This does not mean that the return of the Jews and the establishment of a nation-state is not in some way part of the fulfilment of biblical prophecy – but that there is more to Christian Zionism than that. There is a classical or covenantal version which can be espoused without having to uphold all that dispensationalism promotes.

In this sense, what McDermott terms the ‘new’ Christian Zionism is in fact older, although it will be new to those who so far have only thought of Zionism within the more modern, dispensationalist framework.

The book also makes it clear what Christian Zionism is not. It is not a form of nationalism. It does not mean Israel is perfect or cannot be criticised. Neither is it just about friendship and support for Israel, necessary as these are in current times. The writers have a consistent purpose: to make a defensible theological case for Israel’s claim to the Land.

The writers have a consistent purpose: to make a defensible theological case for Israel’s claim to the Land.

The Biblical Narrative

Part Two is entitled ‘Theology and the Bible’. Its four chapters consider the hermeneutical issue of the relationship between the two testaments, before taking a look at Zionism in the Gospels and the Pauline literature.

This is a more scholarly section but still very readable and the points are excellently made. Indeed, the issues considered in these chapters are crucial for anyone seeking to teach Scripture in line with God’s purposes for Israel and to counter those who promote alternative viewpoints.

The writers show how the biblical story relies on a consistent approach to Israel as it moves towards its final consummation. To remove Israel and the Land at any point renders the whole story incomprehensible. If any other book threw out its main character halfway through and engaged in such a dramatic plot shift, then it would be rejected instantly!

Promise-Keeping God

Part Three is entitled ‘Theology and its Implications’. Some of these chapters may seem to some to be rather superfluous, one in particular being very US-focused. However the chapters on ‘Theology and the Law’ (which asks whether the modern state of Israel violates its covenantal call to justice by its relation to international law) and ‘Theology and Morality’ (which asks whether modern Israel is faithful to the moral covenantal demands regarding the treatment of minorities) are extremely helpful.

Part Four considers the future. How should the New Christian Zionism proceed? In some ways this acts as a summary of the book and continues to stress the theological case for being a Christian Zionist. This must take into account that Israel is an unbelieving nation but also that their God is faithful and keeps all his promises.

At the end, McDermott offers some propositions to guide the Church’s thinking about Israel. This includes realising that Israel shows us who we are and who God is, and that Israel and the Church are integrally joined.

The Bible as a whole relies on a consistent approach to Israel as it moves towards a final consummation. To remove Israel and the Land at any point renders the whole story incomprehensible.

Informative and Significant

The book can be slow-paced at times, but the key points are clearly reinstated to good effect. There are three indices but no bibliography, perhaps as it a collection of essays by different authors. However, each chapter has plenty of footnote references for further reading.

Overall this is a very informative and significant book. Highly commended.

‘The New Christian Zionism’ (349pp) is available from Christian Friends of Israel (paperback) and Amazon (paperback, Kindle). Paperback starting at £18.

You may also be interested in:

‘Defending Christian Zionism’ by David Pawson (2008, Terra Nova)

In typical fashion, Pawson explains clearly and thoughtfully what he believes to be the essence of Christian Zionism. In particular, he responds to those Christians who have criticised or disparaged Zionism, namely Stephen Sizer and John Stott. Like McDermott et al, Pawson also stresses that Zionism exists separately from its role within dispensational theology.

‘For Zion’s Sake : Christian Zionism and the Role of John Nelson Darby’, by Paul R Wilkinson (2007, Paternoster)

‘For Zion’s Sake’ was written as a PhD thesis and as such there are several quotes and footnote references on each page. Wilkinson writes from a dispensationalist perspective, so his view of Christian Zionism is embedded in this theology. The book is aimed at challenging what he believes are misconceptions about JN Darby, but it provides excellent material on several related aspects, including Christian Zionism.