The phenomenon of Christian Zionism comes in many shapes and manifestations. It is deeply rooted in both evangelical circles and mainline churches, as well as in liberal theology. Originating in Europe, Christian Zionism has extended its branches to North America and beyond and, today, is widespread in the Global South. Consequently, there is a dire need for a new approach toward, and definition of, Christian Zionism that encompasses the wide range of its manifestations.
Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem launched a research project on Christian Zionism in 2022, and this innovative collection of work by global scholars marks the first of four unique resources that capture this phenomenon in startling relief. Contributors have developed a shared definition of Christian Zionism as a Christian lobby that supports the Jewish settler colonialism of Palestinian land, using biblical and theological constructs within a metanarrative while taking both global and local ("glocal") considerations into account. Because the Christian Zionist narrative is always embedded within this metanarrative, those who espouse it do not see themselves as engaged in pure political lobbying, but rather as agents of a grand plan from which they read and interpret both scripture and history. Alongside the metanarrative, Christian Zionists are always connected to glocal issues and considerations, combining their ideas with struggles and fears in specific contexts--This is what makes Christian Zionism so dangerous. The metanarrative changes depending on time and place, and glocal considerations vary depending on the context, but what all Christian Zionists have in common is an emotional attachment to the Zionist settler colonial project in Palestine.
