Christians Should Embrace a Balanced Zionism That Rejects Both Antisemitism and Uncritical Support for Israel
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french. "Opinion | Toward a Sane Christian Zionism - The New York Times." February 15, 2026. www.nytimes.com
The Gist
French argues that Christians should support Israel's right to exist because Jews have been historically persecuted (often by Christians), but this support shouldn't mean blindly backing everything Israel does. He says true Christian faith rejects both antisemitism and the idea that Christians have replaced Jews in God's plan.
Conclusion
Christians should adopt a 'sane Christian Zionism' that supports Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state while rejecting both antisemitism and uncritical support for Israeli policies
Premises
- Historic Christian antisemitism is rooted in two false propositions: that Jews collectively killed Jesus and that Christians have replaced Jews as God's chosen people (supersessionism)
- The Catholic Church officially teaches that Jews remain God's chosen people and that the Old Covenant has never been revoked, rejecting replacement theology
- All people deserve equal dignity regardless of ethnicity, and historically persecuted groups like Jews deserve safety, security, and self-determination through statehood
- Christians have a special responsibility to oppose antisemitism because of Christianity's historical role in persecuting Jews
- Supporting Israel's right to exist does not require supporting all Israeli government policies or actions, just as opposing antisemitism doesn't require uncritical support
- Recent examples like Carrie Prejean Boller show how Christian antisemitism is resurging and gaining influence in American politics
Assumptions
- Christian theology should inform Christian political positions on Israel/Palestine
- Historical persecution creates moral obligations for the perpetrating group
- Statehood is necessary for protecting historically persecuted peoples
- Religious teachings can be definitively interpreted to resolve political questions
- The Catholic Church's official positions represent authentic Christian orthodoxy on this issue