Beyond Christian Zionism tracks the journey of a Christian pastor/theologian from his initial enthusiasm for Christian Zionism in the heady days of the early 1980s, to something approximating a volte-face as a result of hermeneutical revision and political engagement. Given that the church he has pastored for the last twenty years was once an epicenter of Christian Zionism, and is now a multi-ethnic community, the travelogue is as much a reflection on the mission and unity of the Christian community as it is upon the politics of the Middle East. But given the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land, it also carries a prophetic note of warning to lay aside theological fundamentalism and to engage in the painstaking work of peacemaking.
Industry Reviews
“Ian Stackhouse gives us a clear and courageous critique of Christian Zionism, explored over the forty years of his own changing engagement with the land and people of Israel. In this combination of personal experience, theology, and politics, the strength of the analysis is Stackhouse’s resolute commitment to a focus on Jesus Christ and the gospel as the measure of every other construct.”
—Sally Nelson, dean of Baptist formation, St. Hild’s College
“This is a specially powerful testimony because it comes from someone who was for many years completely at home within the world of Christian Zionism. While Ian Stackhouse traces the stages in his journey towards a different way of using the Bible to understand the state of Israel, he shows his deep appreciation for Jewish culture, history, and religion, and speaks of his love for Israel. I hope that Christian Zionists of all kinds will read this book.”
—Colin Chapman, author of Christian Zionism and the Restoration of Israel: How Should We Interpret the Scriptures?
“Many scholars have been muted and deterred from challenging Christian Zionism or criticizing the state of Israel. They have been accused of replacement theology and/or antisemitism. Yet this book dares to point out the deficiencies of Christian Zionism in more than one way; it combines history, spirituality, and theology as part of the author’s spiritual and intellectual journey. Beyond Christian Zionism is more than another book on Christian Zionism; it provides a fresh perspective that will enrich our understanding.”
—Yohanna Katanacho, academic dean, Nazareth Evangelical College, Israel
“Beyond Christian Zionism is a reflective piece of art woven with sincere love both for the Jews and Palestinians and with a sharp message: it is an overwhelming witness to Zionism’s failure to reflect the mind and heart of Christ. Ian Stackhouse understands the complexity of his topic, and the inevitable likelihood that he will be condemned by many, yet he writes with confidence because he himself is a living travelogue of a former ideology that enslaved his mind for years. But he has obtained his freedom at last!”
—Hikmat Kashouh, senior pastor, Resurrection Church, Beirut
