Author： Durbin Sean
Publisher： Routledge Ltd
ISSN： 1475-5610
Source： Culture and Religion, Vol.14, Iss.3, 2013-09, pp. : 324-347
Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.
Abstract
This article argues that discourse used to define and understand Israel by prominent American Christian Zionists is a discourse of national idealisation. Drawing on Durkheim's (2008) notion of symbols as sources of social solidarity, I argue that this imagined Israel reflects conservative social and military values that are shared among Christian Zionists and their supporters - values which many in this broad category see the United States failing to uphold. Following this, I show how one of America's most prominent pastors - John Hagee - and his organisation - Christians United for Israel - have taken on the role of a contemporary Jeremiah, criticising the American government for not adequately supporting Israel. This article concludes by considering how Christian Zionists are calling America to renew and align itself with God by `blessing' Israel, and acting like Israel.
Related content
Access to resources
Recommend
By Sabbah Patriarch Michel Mourad Archbishop Swerios Malki El-Assal Bishop Riah Abu Younan Bishop Munib
Holy Land Studies, Vol. 5, Iss. 2, 2006-11 ,pp. :
“Am I Not Your Lord?” Kenneth Cragg on Muslim–Christian Dialogue
Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 26, Iss. 1, 2006-04 ,pp. :
Zionism and Post-Holocaust Christian Theology: A Jewish Perspective
Holy Land Studies, Vol. 8, Iss. 1, 2009-5 ,pp. :