Filed under israel and palestine articles by on Jul 14th, 2011. Comment. 
Pew Poll Shows Evangelical Christian Zionist’s Rapture Quest FailingCharles E. Carlson Jul 11, 2011A recent Global Survey of Evangelical Protestant Leaders, taken by the Pew Forum for Religious and Public Life, reveals cracks in the structure of Evangelicalism, best described as Judeo-Christianity, welcome news for all those who labor for world peace and financial stability. (1)The report states that “U.S. evangelical leaders are especially downbeat about the prospects for evangelical Christianity in their society; 82% say evangelicals are losing influence in the United States today, while only 17% think evangelicals are gaining influence.” In the global north 66% say evangelical Christianity is having decreased influence on life, and 31% think it is increasing. More than half of U.S. leaders (53%) see the current state of evangelical Christianity in America as worse than it was five years ago. And as U.S. leaders look a few years ahead, about half (48%) expect the state of Evangelical Christianity to worsen.The survey reveals that not all “evangelicals” are Christian Zionists and The Pew Forum has learned how to tell the difference. The Evangelical boat is leaking much worse in America and Europe than in the southern hemisphere, where missionaries are far more optimistic about the future of Evangelicalism in their countries. Perhaps this is because mission workers in the field are more attuned to work and service and less preoccupied with social pursuits and monetary success.As I interpret this poll, significant weakening of Evangelicalism can be traced to a preoccupation with Israel that is anything but scriptural. The poll asked two related and telling questions: “Does God’s covenant with the Jewish people continue today?” And, “Is the state of Israel the fulfillment of Biblical Prophesy?” The latter is a question we believe should be asked of every “Christian,” including our own pastors, parents, and children.The poll results state that 73% of those polled think “God’s covenant with the Jewish people” continues today, and only 22% say it does not. It should be noted here that this is a Judeo-Christian give-away, since it is based on a false premise. The Pew Forum and all Evangelicals need to understand that there never was an Old Testament covenant with “the Jewish people.” Most Evangelicals, radical or moderate, fail to properly distinguish the ancient tribe of Israelites from the Jews of today, and in particular, the Jewish inhabitants of the modern secular Jewish state of Israel. This error is the result of scriptural distortion that is encouraged by the State of Israel and its lobbies in the USA, and by the Israel-friendly press.The Pew Poll, to its credit, did ask the decisive litmus test question, “Is the state of Israel the fulfillment of Biblical Prophesy?” Though the high number of “yes” replies was expected, the fact that 42% said “no” was a surprise and strongly suggests that at least 42% of Evangelicals polled are not Christian Zionists as defined by We Hold These Truths. This is a hopeful sign that Evangelicals are waking up, especially those outside of the U.S.! Perhaps it reflects the growing revulsion for the brutal acts carried out by Israel against its neighbors.Those who say “yes” to either of the above two questions must throw out many of Jesus’ own words. Jesus and His Apostles state again and again that God’s covenant with the Israelites (mistranslated as “Jews” beginning in the Middle Ages) was fulfilled in the coming of the Christ.When asked to declare sympathy toward either Israelis or Palestinians, most evangelicals stated they were neutral, but among the minority who took sides, about three out of four sympathized with Israel, reflecting the feelings of the more radical Christian Zionists. Nevertheless it’s good news that they are no longer in the majority.The most obvious reason why radical Evangelicalism must fail is that too many spokesmen deny the New Testament in their misguided effort to honor Israel. The notion that the Israelis are persecuted by the Philistines is unique to Judeo-Christians. Too many Evangelicals have been sold the idea that war is necessary and is worth its cost in human life.(1) Global Survey of Evangelical Protestant Leaders, Cape Town, South Africa. pewforum.org…
Filed under israel and palestine articles by on Jul 14th, 2011. Comment.
- TV and radio personality Glenn Beck speaks to a group in the Israeli parliament
- Beck plans to hold three events in Israel in August
- The events are to show support for Israel and oppose Palestinian moves for U.N. recognition
Jerusalem (CNN) — Outspoken American TV and radio personality Glenn Beck found a friendly audience Monday in the Israeli Parliament as he spoke to a group on how Israel can improve its international image.
The conservative pundit took aim at “the media” accusing it of distorting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “In America the media is so skewed on Israel — honestly, I thought you can only cook your food over a burning bus,” Beck recollected humorously about what he expected before his first trip to Israel.
But he was serious when he said, “Here is the truth (about the) Israeli -Palestinian conflict — at the ruling class, (the conflict) is about the destruction of Israel and about the end of the Western way of life, period.”
Beck spoke as a guest of the Knesset’s Committee on Immigration, Absorption, and Diaspora Affairs. In addition to mostly right-wing Knesset members, the committee room was packed with guests who were strong Glenn Beck fans, applauding enthusiastically as he entered the room.
Sounding at times like an evangelist, Beck proclaimed, “The times that we live in — I am wildly clear … that God’s hand is at work.” Evil must be confronted, he urged, and “God will do the rest.”
Several Knesset members expressed their ardent appreciation to Beck for his staunch and unequivocal support of Israel.
Beck plans to return to Israel in late August with supporters to hold three large events in what he calls the “Restore Hope” campaign, similar to his rally in Washington last August. The aim of the trip is to draw support for Israel and oppose plans by Palestinian leader to go to the United Nations in September seeking recognition for Palestine as an independent country.
One Knesset member from the centrist Atzmaut party who came to thank Beck was Einat Wilf. When asked about having the controversial talker at Israel’s parliament, she responded, “These days we need all the help we can get.”
“I don’t think anyone can contest that Glenn Beck has the ability to reach tens of millions of people and to convince them, and as Israel finds itself in an intellectual battle for its own story, as Zionism continues to be under attack, we need to understand how to make sure that our truth is heard … and anyone who can help us with that is more than welcome,” Wilf said.
Filed under israel and palestine articles by on Jul 14th, 2011. Comment.
By JPOST.COM… STAFF
07/19/2011 10:49American talk show host says security concerns prompted move away from the Temple Mt.; suggests event may be held at Mt. of Olives.
Talkbacks (56)Conservative radio and former Fox News commentator Glenn Beck announced that he is moving a mass rally planned for August from the Southern Wall of Jerusalem’s Old City. On his radio show Monday, Beck said that warnings from security officials led him to fear that the event could turn violent and possibly result in the outbreak of “World War III.”RELATED:
Glenn Beck warns against ‘vaporization of Israel’
Beck hoping to make Jerusalem mega-event bipartisanThe August 24 event has been billed “Restoring Courage” and it was originally slated to take place at the Southern Wall excavation site in the Old City of Jerusalem. Organizers said it will also be shown by video at another site in Jerusalem, such as Teddy Stadium, Sultan’s Pool, or Sacher Park.
Beck’s website said “Restoring Courage” would “unite the people of the world in standing with Israel and remind us of the need to have faith, honor and courage in our own livesExplaining the decision to move his event, Beck said process of moving the event began “when
we heard that 40,000 Muslims would be on top of the Temple Mount.”
“We knew there was trouble,” he said, recalling a stone-throwing incident that took place during a previous visit to the Old City.Beck said he decided to move the event “because
courage must be coupled with wisdom. The last thing we want is for anyone to be injured in any way or for any kind of conflict” to break out.”The talk show host said he hopes the event will be a turning point in the lives of many people, “but we’d prefer if that turning point isn’t World War III.”
Although Beck didn’t give a new location for the rally, he said it would either be inside or outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, adding, “It may be on the Mount of Olives.”Noting that “this is a country that has experienced the death of Yitzhak Rabin,” Beck said, “obviously, that would be horrific in nature if something like any kind of violence would happen” at the rally.
Filed under israel and palestine religious conflict by on Jul 19th, 2011. Comment.
Filed under israel and palestine articles by on Jul 19th, 2011. Comment.
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