Defending Christian Zionism

David Pawson, Great Britain's reigning Prince of Bible Teachers, has written a remarkable and much needed Biblical defense of Christian Zionism. Defending Christian Zionism was initially published as a response to the anti-Zionist, amillennial teaching of Stephen Sizer's book, Whose Promised Land? published in 2002. Sizer's book, a modified version of an anti-Zionist thesis he wrote for his doctorate, became a popular seller in Great Britain where Sizer rapidly emerged as the leading voice of anti-Zionism in that country's somewhat moribund (by US, Canadian and Australian standards) evangelical community. Pawson's book demolishes the anti-Zionist arguments of Sizer with common sense, sound historical research and vigorous analysis of Biblical proof texts. Pawson is unafraid to accept and concur with Sizer's entirely reasonable criticism of some aspects of Christian Zionism (such as John Hagee's "Dual Covenants" approach) as well as any unbalanced use of dispensationalism that forces an un-Biblical interpretation on a text. But in doing so, Pawson never "throws out the baby with the bathwater." Instead he meticulously analyzes the flaws of replacement theology, amillenniel and post-millennial prophecy interpretations, and the dangerous influence of politics on the debate. Pawson is a proud English Christian whose sadness over his country's disappointing legacy regarding Palestine is tangible. He also takes a much-needed shot at fellow theologian John Stott's curious support of Sizer's book. Stott is a respected Bible teacher whose anti-Zionist position seems entirely out of character with his legacy. Stott's glowing praise for Sizer seems particularly misplaced. Pawson addresses this and other controversies with reasonableness and objectivity, digging deep into scripture and history to draw his conclusions. The result is a clear-headed, much needed primer that every serious student of the Bible should consider with an open heart. After all, your destiny in Christ may very well depend on your attitude toward that piece of land in the Middle East that God gave to Abraham and his descendants... forever. Highly Recommended. And best when read alongside Joel Richardson's new book, When a Jew Rules the World.

Israel has had much support in recent decades from many in the Evangelical Christian community, who see the modern restoration of the Jewish nation as fulfilment of Bible prophecies. In contrast to this 'Christian Zionism', many historical denominations follow a theological system which is very anti-zionist, seeing the church as replacing Israel in God's plans. Stephen Sizer has become the most visible of these anti-zionist Christians because of 2 books he has written on the subject, the second book containing a previously unpublished sermon by John Stott. After having my own beliefs challenged by a Christian friend, I realized I needed to familiarize myself with some of the reasoning on both sides of this issue. I read some of the materials available on the Stephen Sizer website, which explained the theology behind his books. I also watched some video teachings on the internet, explaining the differences between these theological viewpoints. Then I ordered this book by David Pawson, "Defending Christian Zionism - in response to Stephen Sizer and John Stott". I thought the book was a really good and informative response to the anti-zionist theology of Stephen Sizer and others. I found myself underlining points on almost every page and then going back and re-reading many sections of the book after I'd finished it. That means that, for me, it was a very useful book. David Pawson did a good job of identifying the theological problems with 'replacement theology' and explaining the reasons why he believed Israel was not replaced by the church but exists seperate from the church at this time, with a different calling than the church. For me, one of the more meaningful parts of the book was where Pawson showed how Sizer and other replacement theologians lump all prophecies about Israel under the conditional and temporary Old Covenant, then emphasize how the Old Covenant has been replaced by the New Covenant. In the process, they completely ignore the much older and eternal Abrahamic Covenant which includes the promise to Israel of a particular area of land - the Promised Land. Until I read this book, I was under the impression that all theology that accepts a Biblical present and future for Israel is called Dispensationalism and all theology that rejects any present and future for Israel is called Covenantalism. I found out from reading this book that this impression isn't accurate, because David Pawson is not a Dispensationalist. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to be informed about why Sizer and others are wrong concerning this subject.

AMEN!

Too complex and not focused.

Reading this for a class I'm taking. David Pawson knows this subject matter well, but he's a British/english scholar, so it's hard for me to read his style of writing and retain. But it's fascinating material, so I'll just take my time and not rush through it.

This is a concise presentation in answer to Stephen Sizer's replacement theology. Pawson does an excellent job of refuting the common replacement theologians' arguments, his exegesis of scripture passages on the subject is sound. I recommend it as a very nice introduction to the topic

very good information.

A balanced perspective on a very sensitive subject.

Very in depth, interesting views

A challenging book on a controversial theme, This is a book for a specialist readership.It gives one a lot to think about and to ponder over.

David Pawson defended readably and convincingly what I have always called myself without much understanding. It's good to have your beliefs sometimes truly and critically examined.

Well written; balanced; representing all sides of the debate and entirely biblical. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious to know the truth regarding God's ongoing commitment to the people and land of Israel.

A sound book as usual from David Pawson, whose teaching over the years has been greatly appreciated

Good

Very disappointing since it is not truly about the subject it purports to be but another (Dispensationalism) and does not attempt an understanding of what so called 'Christian Zionism' supports in the reality of Israeli State Zionism. Mr Pawson gives the impression of only a cursory apprehension of the realities involved and gives a biblical proof of something other than his subject suggests.

great in all respects