Here’s a controversy-loaded question to ponder this weekend: what explains the strange love/hate relationship between evangelicals and the Jewish community?
I get nervous even thinking about that question, given all the politics and history behind it. But in the above article, Pepperdine professor James Wilson asks a good question: why do evangelicals seem so positive about the Jewish community and the state of Israel, and why isn’t that sentiment reciprocated as much as you’d expect?
Wilson seems to boil the answer down largely to politics—the old conservative/liberal divide, in which a predominately liberal Jewish community is uncomfortable with the politics of a mostly conservative evangelical movement. But there’s a lot more bubbling beneath the surface of this issue, as Wilson notes. For one, there’s the dispensationalist movement, which gives the state of Israel and Jewish people a prominent place in End Times theology. (Some evangelicals might think of this as flattering, but I’ve always thought that playing a major role in the theology of somebody else’s religion would feel a little… awkward.) And of course there is more anti-semitism lurking in some corners of the evangelical world than we’d like to admit.
I certainly don’t have this one figured out. I want to steer clear of a political debate, but I’d be interested to hear your take on a few points:
- Do you buy into Wilson’s claim—that there’s a love/hate relationship between evangelicals and Jews?
- Does your theology of the End Times, whatever it is, positively influence your attitude toward Judaism? How about toward the state of Israel?
- Is it even appropriate to be talking about “the evangelicals” and “the Jews” in such broad terms? Both groups encompass a great diversity of views.
- What do you think needs to happen to improve the relationship between evangelicals and the Jewish community?
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February 8, 2008 at 16:30
As an “evangelical Jew” (born/raised Jewish, received Christ as Messiah in college), I witnessed firsthand the initial displeasure of my family. I think they’d almost rather have heard me reveal I was gay, or even a serial killer or something.
There is some innate animosity/distrust of Christians in the Jewish community, and you mentioned history. Jews pass down their collective view of history as us-against-them, “them” being partly comprised of crusaders, inquisitioners, “Christian” nazis, KKK, Mel Gibson, etc.
Their (our) fears are misdirected, therefore, but still understandable. History is clearly replete with self-professed “Christians” doing quite un-Christian things. Jews therefore have a historical prejudice, based not on Christ or His Word (which they usually don’t know) but rather on the words, actions, and attitudes of those who have misused/abused His Name.
They desperately need to get to know the “genuine articles”—those who live out the genuine truth and love of their Savior—to break down the stereotypes. Please be sensitive to this as you interact with Jewish friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc.
Blessings, Dan
February 8, 2008 at 17:33
I feel a sense of awe when I meet a Jewish person. I have a real strong sense that these are the people of the Book. That tiny race of covenant people. The people that my Father has obsessed over for thousands of years.
The promises to the nation/state of Israel are so powerful and detailed in Isaiah and other prophetic books. It’s more than just their place in end time things, it’s their place in ancient history, middle history, current history and future history. The horror of the holoucast was so deep, the establishing of the nation of Israel after thousands of years was so amazing and the victory of the 6 day war was so awesome. I don’t buy into the “Love/hate” realtionship between evangelicals and Jews. I don’t know any truly born again person who dislikes the Jews. And when I hear of things like that, I question their faith. From the Evangelicals it’s love/love. If the Jews hate evangelicals, it’s been earned. The worst sins of the dark ages and fairly recent history has been the totally unscriptural and inexcusable abuse of the Jews. Evangelicals must make amends, set an example and pray for the Jews. Their is a new respect on the part of some Jews for the evangelical support of Israel. This is promising and encouraging. Unless mixed up Christians like Jimmie Carter screw it up. (Habitat for Humanity/Good. Attacks on Israel/VERY bad).
I’ve never understood anti-semitism. Even as a 12 year old I thrilled over Leon Uris’s books like Exodus. Yeah, we have an obligation to share the good news of the gospel with everyone, but I have a deep respect for the Jews and would want to handle this very carefully.
February 9, 2008 at 15:29
I am really interested in this topic. I live in Memphis which has a large population of Jews, both orthodox and those not practicing.
I had a great conversation with my Jewish friend from Nashville last week. He was very surprised at how much I thought of him, but he quickly tried to break down the positive stereo types and played out Jews as just like every other people group.
My favorite place to learn about Judaism is at http://www.followtherabbi.com
Ray VanderLann is an unbelievable teacher.
– john
February 9, 2008 at 19:15
I think to a degree we can all get along, however, when it comes down to brass tacks I believe only the Messiahnic Jews can really get along with us in the truest sense.
unless the rest come to believe what happend in the past happend the way Christians see it.
February 10, 2008 at 01:35
Didn’t Paul say Jews were blinded/removed temporarily so gentiles could receive God’s salvation? They will be fully restored and we will be fitted together in Our Lord Jesus Christ, soon. Maranatha. We can speed the day of his return: Therefore since all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God because of which the heavens shall be dissolved being on fire and the elements will melt with fervent heat. 2 Pet. NKJV
February 10, 2008 at 09:36
I’m no expert and I have only minimal anecdotal evidence to lead me to my conclusions, but I’ve always thought the lack of intimate fellowship between Evangelicals and Jews is for reasons neither you nor Wilson’s article mention.
Additionally, I must object to commenter Rick’s assertion that Jewish hatred of Evangelicals is earned. The behavior or Nazi’s, or even Crusaders cannot be rationally or logically associated with Evangelicals.
I believe the relationship now between Evangelicals and Jews begins with what I imagine would be present between a Pharisee and a sincerely devout Proselyte in the time of Jesus’ life. Imagine what it must feel like to have an outsider try to “co-opt” your religion, even your God! Then, add to that the apparent blessings those Proselytes enjoy in the form of prosperity, peace, and influence. Keep in mind Jewish identity is so very closely tied to their religion and their history. Evangelical Christians, with smiles and open arms, presume (from the Jewish perspective, perhaps) to understand the meaning of Jewish history and to know the Jewish God better than the Jews do.
It’s not difficult to expect resentment to follow. Finally, add a dash of condescension, which is at best an obstacle to fellowship, and another dash of the fleshly fear of all who are different.
To improve the relationship? “Speak the Truth in love”. Is that the Evangelical answer for everything? But, I do not mean that we should do what I think my brothers & sisters and I typically mean: try to be loving as we speak the truth. Rather, I mean speak the truth BECAUSE we love. Of course I cannot do such a thing on my own. So, my focus (perhaps ours) must be on God; not on Jews, not on Evangelicals, not on politics, history, relationship, the lack of relationship, but on God.
February 10, 2008 at 12:48
As to the question of whether there is a love/hate relationship between evangelicals and Jews, I suggest that no person who claims to be a believer in Jesus Christ (Yeshua) can have anything but compassion and love for the Jews and for Israel, regardless of their past or present failings as a people. After all, this is indeed, the mind of Christ toward His chosen people, even to this day. Remember, “Christians” profess to love and serve the Jewish Messiah with all their heart and soul and mind and strength. If God the Father sent His only begotten Son to be the propitiation for the sins of all his children, both natural born Jews, and the adopted sons and daughters (Gentile believers), and if His (Torah) with its Law, and the teachings of His Holy Prophets are the definitive teachings on a right and Holy relationship with God as He intends it for all who would be called “His faithful”, then no one who claims to be a follower of Yeshua (Jesus Christ) can have anything but compassion and love for those whom God has called “His Chosen People”.
For they remain His Chosen People, and God has not revoked, amended or rescinded one of His covenant promises with Israel (not one jot or tittle!!!). The Jews remain the chosen people; chosen for blessings and particular honors, yes, but also chosen for chastening when found in sin; chosen for sorrows and sufferings innumerable so that the grace and providence of God might be manifested to both Jews and Gentiles; chosen to be a light, and an example, and the people to whom the oracles of God were entrusted, so that those who wander in the darkness might see the light and be saved; and chosen to be the lineage, through whom our Messiah, the savior of the world would be borne.
Although history is replete with the horrors of “Christian”, anti-semitism, their has always been a faithful remnant of Christians who understood God’s heart toward his covenant people, and who have preached a message of love and reconciliation to the Jews. What we see today in the Messianic Jewish movement, and in the positive and supportive response of growing numbers of Gentile Christians for our Jewish brethren (who are followers of Yeshua), is the unfolding fulfillment of Romans 10 and 11. “For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world (the Gentile nations), what will their acceptance be but life from the dead (the fulfillment of Messiah’s kingdom and the resurrection of the dead)? Romans 11:15.
We are seeing the fulfillment of prophecy today as thousands upon thousands of Jews, worldwide, are recognizing Yeshua Ha Meshiach as the one whom the prophets foretold. We have seen the in gathering of the Jews, back into their covenant lands. We are seeing that “He himself is our peace, who has made both (Jew and Gentile) one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two thus making peace, and that he might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross thereby putting to death the ennmity. Ephesians 2:14-16.
Although their is a long history of antagonism and misunderstanding between Jews and Christians and between Christians and Jews, those days are coming to an end. We are seeing the unfolding of the long-awaited, and much prophesied restoration of the bride of Christ, in which both Jewish and Gentile believers should all rejoice fervently, as we anticipate the arrival of the bridegroom. Behold, our kinsman redeemer draws nigh, and as He does we should all be rejoicing, and building one another up in the Spirit and in Love. Their is no room for old enmities and resentments in such a love relationship. Therefore, greet one another with a Holy Kiss!!!
February 10, 2008 at 21:21
I’ve never personally or met anyone here in Australia whose experienced any issues between evangelicals or Jews. That’s not to say there isn’t any. Yes my end-times belief does affect my attitude, however the bottom line is that all humans alive at the end-time are involved and whether or not one likes the Jewish race they are Gods Chosen. Besides, we are supposed to love all people aren’t we? We don’t have to necessarilly like them or what they do, but we do HAVE to learn to love and that is not too easy sometimes is it?
February 10, 2008 at 21:38
I forgot to mention a reminder or even a wake up call that Jesus was a jew and probably had dark skin as a result of the sun perhaps or, shock horror to some, genetics. Either way we gentiles have absolutely no right to feel superior because they rejected him after all how many other races have chosen to reject him?
I would suggest that if there were any dislike of the jews (or only some) for evangelicals it would be because so many of us come across as self righteous and condescending and judgemental to just about everybody who doesn’t believe. The greatest critisism I hear levelled at us is our judgemental attitude, the second is our hypocrisy. I find it easier to not advertise “HEY LOOK AT ME I”M A CHRISTIAN” because I sin too much, so I don’t tell anyone I just try to live like Christ and only ‘preach’ at them when they ask me about myself. I ask for forgiveness and know I get it but that doesn’t change the worlds attitude. The world watches what we do, it’s perfectly understandable they, the jews, may dislike us.
February 11, 2008 at 10:50
I’d say there is a love hate relationship between some evangelicals and Jews. I am a Messianic Jew raised in the Nazarene Church. My parents almost hid the fact that my Mother and my brothers and I were Jews. I didn’t hide it I never was hey I’m a Jew I just enjoyed having the Jewish perspective lol. Not until after my mothers death did I see some of the strain Our Nazarene Pastor didn’t like were were splitting the service between him and our Messianic Rabbi, He said what business does a Rabbi have here! The problem largely consist of no knowledge, no interaction with my peoples culture, and any knowledge of true Torah fearing beliefs, so it all stems largely out of fear of the unknown. I think a little could also be said about the Jewish people as a hole as well. My view doesn’t change concerning end time events and the Revelation. It only makes sense my people and the land of Yisrael would play a huge role in the end of days. The middle east will and has all ways been significant, everything that has happened that was HUGE has happened there in scripture. The only way to make a true friendship is to know both sides both beliefs there could be some life changing things maybe some Jews would come to the knowledge of Yeshua! Who knows! Maybe some Christians would finally understand that all believers are to follow the Torah! Who Knows! I’d say the biggest broken Law of God through Messianic and evangelicals is the Desecration of the Sabbath, Set apart of all days yet we buy sell and other things on a day of rest form all our labor. God said not to buy or sell on this day, a medical emergency etc. would be allowed of course.
February 12, 2008 at 00:20
Mikael, I’m so glad that you checked out the link to this blog and that you bookmarked it. I read it almost daily.
As a Gentile, I have learned so much since I started attended your synague’s Messianic service on Saturday. And what I’ve learned about Jewish culture has strengthed my faith in Jesus (Yeshua) because I better understand the significance of things that happened in Bible when they’re put in context of what Jews did during that time.