Quote:
Originally Posted by Lutiferre
I believe biblical Zionism, also known as Christian Zionism, believing that the Jews are literally the chosen people, that we are to serve, is a very negative side of Christianity - it is perhaps, together with the Judaic derivation of the Christian foundation, one of the biggest problems in the religion.
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While there are some remarks, from Paul in the New Testament, that suggest that non-Jews are guests while Jews are regulars in the house of God, I still think it's unfair to speak today of "Christian Zionism".
From the letter from Paul to the Romans:
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28.
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
29.
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30.
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31.
Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32.
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
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Romans 11:28-32
In fact, that whole chapter is an argument that the Jews are by their nature saved, while non-Jews are only saved by their faith. Whether Paul is right is of course a question in itself. I think a case against him could be made from the Revelation of John:
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8.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9.
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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Revelations 2:8-11
It speaks about faithfulness "unto death" as that which will only save a man, regardless of whether he is an ethnic Jew or not. Curiously, the word "Jew" doesn't even have an ethnic meaning there, but a spiritual meaning.
If we turn to history, the case of "Christian Zionism" is weak. It is a new phenomenon, arguably alien to Christian tradition.