This is the 18th 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

Evangelical Christianity in the United States and beyond has long been associated with support for Israel, particularly through Christian Zionism—the belief that the Jewish return to the Holy Land is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. However, while Christian Zionism dominates evangelical discourse on Jewish issues, it does not tell the whole story. Beneath this pro-Israel stance, antisemitic narratives persist in modern evangelical circles, often taking the form of conspiracy theories, apocalyptic theology, and Jewish scapegoating.

Some evangelicals simultaneously praise Jews as God’s chosen people while embracing stereotypes that portray Jews as controllers of global finance, media, and politics. Others view Jews as pawns in an end-times scenario, where they must convert or face divine destruction. These contradictions reveal a more insidious form of antisemitism that exists beyond Zionist support.

This essay examines two major aspects of modern evangelical antisemitism:

1. Conspiracy theories, such as claims that Jews are part of a “globalist elite” that controls world affairs.
2. Apocalyptic theology, which casts Jews as obstacles to Christian salvation unless they convert.

Despite the public alliance between evangelicals and Jewish communities on issues like Israel, these underlying narratives continue to shape evangelical attitudes toward Jews in troubling ways.

Evangelical Conspiracy Theories: The “Globalist Elite” and Jewish Control Narratives

1. The Revival of Classic Antisemitic Tropes

For centuries, antisemitism has been fueled by conspiracy theories about Jewish power and influence. Medieval Christians accused Jews of poisoning wells and controlling commerce, while 19th and 20th-century antisemites spread myths about a Jewish cabal manipulating world events. Unfortunately, many of these ideas persist in modern evangelical rhetoric, often disguised as warnings about “globalist elites” or “secular enemies of Christianity.”

Some of the most common antisemitic tropes in evangelical conspiracy theories include:

• Jews as financial manipulators: Echoing The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, some evangelicals believe that Jewish bankers control global economies through institutions like the Federal Reserve or international banking networks.
• Jews as political puppeteers: Certain evangelical circles promote the idea that Jewish elites secretly pull the strings of governments, the media, and cultural institutions.
• Jews as enemies of Christianity: Evangelicals who see secularism as a threat to Christian values often blame Jewish intellectuals, activists, or philanthropists for promoting liberalism, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, or immigration policies that challenge traditionalist Christian views.

These narratives often merge religious and political anxieties, reinforcing the belief that Jews work against Christian interests.

2. The “Globalist” Narrative and Its Evangelical Appeal

One of the most pervasive antisemitic tropes in modern evangelical circles is the idea of a “globalist elite” controlling world affairs. While this term does not explicitly refer to Jews, it is frequently used as a dog whistle for antisemitic beliefs about Jewish influence.

Prominent figures in evangelical media, such as:

• Alex Jones (Infowars)
• Pat Robertson (The 700 Club)
• Rick Wiles (TruNews)

…have promoted conspiracy theories claiming that a shadowy group of wealthy elites—often identified as Jews—control the world.

For example, billionaire Jewish philanthropist George Soros is a frequent target of these theories, accused of orchestrating mass migration, liberal agendas, and attacks on Christian values. Evangelical politicians and preachers have claimed that Soros is behind:

• The erosion of Christian influence in American politics
• Funding of left-wing movements, including Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights
• Destabilization of national sovereignty through open-border policies

These claims mirror classic antisemitic propaganda that blamed Jews for communism, capitalism, and societal decay—despite being contradictory accusations. The use of “globalist” rhetoric allows evangelicals to spread antisemitic ideas without explicitly mentioning Jews, making them harder to challenge.

3. Evangelical Populism and the Jewish “Enemy Within”

Another dimension of evangelical antisemitism is the belief that Jews are undermining Christian America from within. Some evangelicals claim that Jewish activists, judges, and politicians work against Christian interests by:

• Removing prayer from schools
• Advocating for abortion rights
• Promoting secularism over biblical values

This populist rhetoric, which divides society into “Christian patriots” and “secular elites,” casts Jews as part of a corrupt ruling class, despite the diversity of Jewish political and religious views.

Apocalyptic Theology and the Scapegoating of Jews

1. Evangelical End-Times Beliefs and the Jewish Role

Many evangelicals subscribe to dispensationalist theology, which divides history into different biblical “eras” and teaches that the Second Coming of Jesus requires certain prophetic events to unfold. One of these events is the conversion of Jews to Christianity.

This belief creates a paradox: Evangelicals support Israel because they see its existence as a fulfillment of prophecy, but they also believe that:

1. Jews will ultimately face destruction unless they accept Jesus.
2. Jewish control of Jerusalem is temporary and will end with divine intervention.
3. The Antichrist may come from within the Jewish people.

This instrumentalization of Jews strips them of independent agency, making them mere pawns in a Christian eschatological narrative.

2. The “Antichrist” and Jewish Blame in Apocalyptic Thinking

Some evangelical interpretations of prophecy suggest that the Antichrist—a figure who will deceive the world before Jesus’ return—will be Jewish. This idea, which dates back to medieval Christian antisemitism, paints Jews as potential enemies of Christ in the final battle between good and evil.

Evangelical preachers such as:

• John Hagee (Cornerstone Church, Christians United for Israel)
• Hal Lindsey (The Late Great Planet Earth)
• Jack Van Impe (TV evangelist known for apocalyptic teachings)

…have suggested that globalist Jewish elites may pave the way for the Antichrist by promoting a one-world government or a false messiah.

This reinforces fears that Jews cannot be fully trusted and positions them as obstacles to Christian salvation. Even as evangelicals express political support for Israel, these theological views create deep-seated suspicions about Jewish power.

3. Christian Zionism vs. True Solidarity

Christian Zionists often claim to be pro-Jewish, but their support is conditional on Jews eventually accepting Jesus. This instrumental approach to Jewish-Christian relations:

• Ignores Jewish religious identity as an end in itself.
• Treats Jews as a means to fulfill Christian prophecy rather than as an independent people.
• Encourages proselytization efforts, reinforcing the idea that Jews are spiritually incomplete.

Some Jewish leaders welcome evangelical political support but remain wary of its theological motivations.

Conclusion: The Hidden Dangers of Evangelical Antisemitism

While evangelicals are often vocal in their support for Israel, many also harbor antisemitic attitudes in the form of conspiracy theories, apocalyptic fears, and Jewish scapegoating. The “globalist elite” narrative revives old antisemitic myths about Jewish control of finance and politics, while apocalyptic theology reduces Jews to mere players in a Christian end-times drama.

This paradoxical relationship—simultaneously supporting Israel while spreading mistrust of Jews—creates a dangerous and complex form of antisemitism that extends far beyond Christian Zionism.

Moving Forward

Evangelicals must confront these hidden biases by:

• Recognizing antisemitic tropes in political rhetoric.
• Rejecting apocalyptic narratives that scapegoat Jews.
• Engaging in authentic interfaith dialogue that respects Jewish identity beyond its role in Christian prophecy.

Without addressing these issues, evangelical antisemitism will continue to thrive, masked by pro-Israel rhetoric but reinforcing deep-seated prejudices beneath the surface.