Part II: Dispensationalism, Christian Zionism and Antisemitism in the United States

This is the thirteenth part of a series on Christianity and the history of antisemitism. While we are often reminded to “Never forget,” many of us were never taught this history.

Introduction

While dispensationalism and Christian Zionism shaped US policy toward Israel, they have also reinforced antisemitic beliefs within American society. Dispensationalist theology claims to support Jews, but it reduces them to mere instruments of Christian prophecy rather than acknowledging their identity, history, or autonomy. This paradoxical relationship has led to both political support and cultural hostility toward Jews, creating long-term implications for Jewish safety and inclusion in the United States.

Here we explore:

• How Christian Zionist media spreads antisemitic narratives
• The influence of dispensationalist beliefs on far-right extremism
• The impact of Christian Zionism on Jewish-Christian interfaith relations
• The role of Christian Zionists in shaping modern US foreign policy
• The future of Christian Zionism and its growing influence in the US government

1. Christian Zionist Media and the Spread of Antisemitic Narratives

Many evangelical and right-wing media outlets promote Christian Zionist theology while simultaneously spreading classic antisemitic conspiracy theories.

A. Televangelists and Christian Media Networks

Christian Zionist televangelists claim to be strong allies of Israel, yet many spread antisemitic tropes about Jewish power and influence.

• Pat Robertson (700 Club) – Suggested that Jewish elites control global finance, while at the same time supporting Israel as part of biblical prophecy.
• John Hagee (Cornerstone Church, Christians United for Israel) – Argued that the Holocaust was part of God’s judgment to bring Jews back to Israel, reinforcing the dangerous idea of Jewish suffering as divinely ordained.
• Jim Bakker and Hal Lindsey – Repeatedly warned of a Jewish “globalist agenda” while promoting end-times prophecies centered on Israel.

B. How Christian Zionist Media Reinforces Antisemitic Stereotypes

Christian Zionist messaging often presents contradictory ideas about Jews, reinforcing both philo-Semitism and antisemitism simultaneously.

• Dual messaging – They claim to love Israel, yet warn against Jewish influence in America.
• Promoting replacement theology – Suggesting that Jews must convert or be destroyed in the End Times.
• Blaming Jews for secularism and moral decline – Accusing Jewish elites of undermining Christian values in the US.

This constant reinforcement of antisemitic tropes makes Christian Zionist theology a major vehicle for spreading antisemitism under the guise of pro-Israel sentiment.

2. Dispensationalism’s Influence on Far-Right Extremism

While dispensationalists publicly reject violent antisemitism, their teachings have been absorbed by far-right Christian extremists, who interpret them as justification for hatred toward Jews.

A. Christian Identity Movement and White Nationalism

Some white nationalist groups, like the Christian Identity movement, adopt elements of dispensationalist theology while blaming Jews for everything from economic recessions to secularism. It is important to note that Christian Zionists, Christian Nationalists and the Christianity Movement may have similarities but also very sharp differences and in some cases hate each other.

• The movement teaches that:
  • White Europeans are the true descendants of Israel.
  • Jews are impostors or descendants of Satan (Serpent Seed Theory).
  • Jewish influence must be eliminated to preserve Christian civilization
  • This belief system has been linked to antisemitic hate crimes and far-right violence in the US.

B. The January 6th Attack and Christian Zionist Influence

• There is some debate as to the extent people calling themselves Christians, e.g. Christian Nationalists, Dispensationalists, etc. were involved in the January 6th attack. Dr. Mark David Hall, a professor in Regent University‘s Robertson School of Government and a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy, says there was minimal participation.  “I scrolled through all the footage and saw a sea of American flags, Maga hats, and Trump flags, . . .  Eventually, a couple of photographs came my way. Two of them were literally 1.5 miles from the riots. They were from around the Washington Monument, where there had been a prayer rally earlier that day. There were then two images from the actual rioters. One was a revolutionary-era flag with the words Appeal to Heaven on it. This could be from the book of Judges, but it could also be from John Locke’s second treatise. The flag might have been there simply because it’s a revolutionary-era flag.”

However, there are others including multiple credible reports, including investigations and analyses by scholars, journalists, and research groups, documented clear connections between the insurrection and specific religious ideologies:

• 1. Symbols and Imagery:
     Participants displayed prominent Christian nationalist symbols, such as crosses, banners reading “Jesus Saves,” Christian flags, and signs explicitly stating that Trump was “God’s chosen leader.” Several protestors and insurrectionists openly expressed dispensationalist and apocalyptic beliefs—ideas that frame events in terms of fulfilling biblical prophecy.

  2. Research by Experts:
     Researchers at the University of Chicago Divinity School, scholars at the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), and religious studies experts at Baylor University documented the presence of religious nationalism and Christian Zionism among January 6 participants. Their analyses highlight how some rioters explicitly referenced biblical prophecy and the idea that Trump’s presidency was divinely ordained to fulfill America’s perceived role in defending Israel.

  3. Statements from Rioters:
     Legal proceedings and media coverage have documented rioters openly stating their belief in Trump’s divine appointment. Some participants described their actions as necessary to prevent America from abandoning its biblical duty toward Israel, influenced by dispensationalist theology. Investigations by outlets like PBS Frontline, NBC News, and Religion News Service have highlighted direct statements from participants who expressed these motivations.

  4. Influence of Religious Leaders and Rhetoric:
     Prominent Christian nationalist leaders and pastors preached that supporting Trump was part of God’s plan for America and Israel. Figures like pastor Robert Jeffress, evangelical leader Paula White, and others explicitly framed Trump’s presidency in prophetic terms, influencing many to view January 6 as a critical spiritual and national moment.

• There were rioters on January 6, 2021, who carried Christian nationalist and dispensationalist symbols, linking their insurrectionist violence to their belief that Trump was divinely chosen to protect Christian America.
• Some extremists believed that stopping Biden from taking office was necessary to fulfill biblical prophecy about America’s role in protecting Israel.

C. The Role of Christian Zionist Megadonors in Fueling Extremism

• Billionaires like Robert Mercer and Richard Uihlein have funded both Trump’s pro-Israel policies and far-right Christian nationalist movements, reinforcing a feedback loop between Christian Zionist theology and white Christian extremism.
• The Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society, which promote dispensationalist Christian nationalism, have worked to undermine democratic institutions while elevating anti-Jewish conspiracy theories.

Although Christian Zionism does not explicitly advocate antisemitic violence, its teachings have been co-opted by extremist groups, making it a major contributor to the rise of far-right antisemitism in the United States.

3. Christian Zionism’s Impact on Jewish-Christian Interfaith Relations

A. The Growing Divide Between Jewish and Evangelical Leaders

While some Jewish leaders appreciate Christian Zionist political support for Israel, many recognize the long-term dangers of aligning with a movement that ultimately seeks Jewish conversion.

Many Jewish organizations reject Christian Zionist alliances, recognizing that:

• Christian Zionists do not actually care about Jewish survival—they support Israel only to fulfill prophecy.
• Jewish conversion remains a goal—many Christian Zionists fund Jewish missionary efforts.
• Christian Zionists prioritize their own religious goals over the safety of Jews, ignoring antisemitic attacks in the US while focusing solely on Israel.

B. The Complex Role of Jewish Billionaire Sheldon Adelson

Unlike Christian Zionist megadonors, Sheldon Adelson was Jewish and supported Israel for nationalist and strategic reasons, not theological ones. However, he forged alliances with Christian Zionists because:

• He recognized their political influence in shaping US policy toward Israel.
• He funded pro-Israel politicians who also had strong backing from Christian Zionists.
• He helped bridge Jewish-American conservatives and Christian evangelicals, despite their conflicting motivations for supporting Israel.

Adelson’s involvement shows that some Jewish leaders accepted Christian Zionist support out of political necessity, even while recognizing its problematic theological underpinnings.

4. The Future of Christian Zionism and Its Growing Influence in the U.S. Government

A. Christian Zionist Expansion in US Politics

• The Republican Party continues to align with Christian Zionists, pushing policies that reflect apocalyptic theology rather than practical diplomacy.
• Figures like Ron DeSantis, Josh Hawley, and Mike Pompeo continue to use dispensationalist rhetoric to justify right-wing policies.

B. The Risk of Increasing Antisemitic Attacks

• The growing connection between Christian Zionism and far-right extremism increases the risk of antisemitic violence in the US.
• As dispensationalist teachings continue to influence political discourse, the idea that Jews are both privileged elites and religiously incomplete may lead to more radicalized attacks.

C. How to Combat Christian Zionist Antisemitism

• Educating the public about the hidden antisemitic elements of Christian Zionism.
• Challenging dispensationalist theology in interfaith dialogues.
• Calling out political figures who align with Christian Zionist beliefs for strategic gain while ignoring their antisemitic consequences.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Christian Zionism on Antisemitism

While Christian Zionists claim to be strong supporters of Israel, their theological framework ultimately reinforces antisemitic narratives. Jewish leaders face difficult choices—reject problematic allies or accept their support despite long-term risks.