by Mike Edwards
There are many reasons why people support strongly America’s defense of Israel as opposed to having the same fervent for other nations. There are moral, political, religious, and personal reasons. It’s rarely just one factor. Justice reasons may be because Israel has suffered so many injustices during the centuries including the holocaust and October 7th
Why might Christians support Israel for religious reasons?
One reason that concerns me the most is that many Christians and Jews support Israel based on interpretations of the Bible. Many Christians believe Israel plays a role in biblical prophecy and to not support them would be going against God’s future plan. Many do not admit that biblical experts don’t agree on the meaning of many passages that may or may not relate to future events. Many claim dogmatically that the Bible predicts future events such as what is happening in Israel currently and the end-times when Jesus returns down to earth. We all must admit there is no consensus of beliefs about prophecies in the Bible. I trust more those who admit their interpretation of ancient literature (Bible) could be wrong. I am not certain my views are correct.
I have claimed prophecy can’t be God knowing or predicting what happens in the future. God can’t know an undetermined future. It is likely prophecy is conditional to respect freedom. God warns what could happen if Israel rebels against God’s ways or to others that don’t respect God’s morality. See: Does Prophecy In The Bible Really Predict The Future?
Foreign policy should not be guided by disputed theological interpretations/religiosity. Assumptions about biblical prophecy and Israel can lead to foreign policy decisions in God’s name that don’t fulfill God’s desires at all. Foreign policies should not be based on theological ideology based on complex interpretations of biblical prophecy. This doesn’t represent citizens who don’t share such theological beliefs and whether believers are into God or not. Shouldn’t a nation’s policy be based on the protection of all its citizens within a moral framework?
Why might many oppose support of Isreal or favor Israel?
I understand many may especially support Israel for important military and intelligence reasons. Those who oppose Israel support should consider for America’s own protection. Many people’s views are often shaped by the media they consume. We should consider all opinions. We must encourage healthy debate. I suspect many may oppose supporting Israel over America’s own citizens for financial reasons. We have enough financial problems without giving so much money away to other nations. I have some sympathy for this. When I have a choice, I am going to protect and support my family financially over other families. I don’t think that is totally selfish. A family or nation is often more capable of aiding others because they are strong and united.
Mike Edwards was added as a writer and has been a great addition to the site. Mike provides many interesting views and various ways of looking at things. He is not afraid to ask questions and he keeps an open mind as to teachings of the institutional church. Mike also has his own site where he writes at What God May Really Be Like
Done with Religion 