Recently Tucker Carlson flew to Israel to interview U. S. Ambassador Huckabee. Carlson’s intentions were to set forth questions relative to the legitimacy of the modern state of Israel. It did not appear as if he was interested in Ambassador Huckabee’s responses to his questions. From this interview and other statements made by Mr. Carlson, I conclude that he sees his purpose as undermining Evangelical Christian support for Israel.
Carlson asked Ambassador Huckabee to justify Israel’s claim to the land. I believe that there are multiple answers to this question. The first is based on ethnicity. Throughout the 20th century, there was a cry for a Jewish homeland. This was most emphatic in the wake of the Holocaust. Jews needed a place of refuge. Secondly, those who practice the religion of Judaism have claimed a Biblical right to their ancient homeland. Those who practice Judaism have been distinguished throughout the ages by participating in communal synagogue activities as well as advocating and living a Torah lifestyle. Biblically speaking, they have been distinguished by observing the Shabbat. The Bible declares that Shabbat is a special sign between G-d and the people of Israel (Exodus 31). I have read rabbinical statements to the effect that: “We (the Jewish people) have not kept the Shabbat, but the Shabbat has kept us”. To further distinguish the Jewish people from other groups, Christians moved their special holy day to Sunday while the Moslems moved theirs back to Friday. Finally, there is the mystical element of faith. I have witnessed the testimony of different Jewish people who spoke of a deep inward call to return to the land of Israel in accordance with and responding to ancient Biblical promises.
Support for the Jewish right to the land of Israel in America has shifted since the founding of the state. Immediately following WWII, there was considerable sympathy for the need for a Jewish homeland following the holocaust. That sympathetic support has now shifted almost completely to the “so-called” Palestinians. On the other hand, Evangelical support has grown following the Six-Day War. The rather obvious intervention of G-d in this war has the appearance of a Biblical event to any discerning soul.
Traditional Christianity is being challenged. Modern Evangelical Christianity embodies many ancient doctrines which are at odds with their Bible. The influence of Gnosticism in the second century (AD/CE) focused on the hope of ascent into a heavenly paradise following death. Most Evangelical churches embrace this emphasis as their primary focus. In addition, many Evangelical Churches embrace much of the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church with the exception of the organizational manifestation of the Vatican and papal institutions. These are in clear contrast with the message set forth by Jesus which dealt with the establishment of the Kingdom of G-d which was envisioned as being established in and through the nation of Israel. Since the emergence of the modern state of Israel, Evangelicals are having to face this reality based on the NT Scriptures like Luke 1:31-32, Matthew 19:28 and Acts 3:19-21. In Luke 1:31-32 the King is to set on the throne of David and rule over the house of Israel forever. In Matthew 19:28 the King and His court is to “judge” the twelve tribes of Israel. Judge in this context means “anointed leadership” in the likeness of Moses and Samuel. Acts 3:19-21 speaks of the restoration of those things spoken about by the Hebrew prophets. The most common thing spoken of by the prophets is the restoration of the people of Israel to the land of Israel.
Mr. Carlson has set about to divide Evangelical Christianity. He will likely succeed. Evangelicals will have to declare themselves allied with the world forces ultimately destined to attempt to destroy Israel (Zechariah 12:1-3) or to be allied with the tribes of Israel on the mountains of Israel. As one such Evangelical, I have already made that decision.
Once I read a statement that I would like to apply to Mr. Carlson who confesses to be a Christian. The statement is: “How odd of G-d to choose the Jews, but odder still are those who choose the Jewish G-d yet hate the Jews.”
Kenneth E. Garrison
Retired Pastor of the Fellowship Church Casselberry, Florida.
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