The Dangers of Christian Zionism & The Orthodox Christian Response
By Bishop Stephen (Victory) Introduction: A Distorted Theology with Global Consequences Christian Zionism, though often regarded by its proponents as a noble alliance with the Jewish people and a defense of biblical prophecy, represents a serious distortion of the Christian faith and a deviation from the Orthodox understanding of Scripture, the Church, and eschatology. Though it is largely a Protestant phenomenon, its political influence and theological errors have crept into the wider Christian consciousness, including, regrettably, among some Orthodox faithful. This article will explore the roots of Christian Zionism, its theological errors, the dangers it poses, both spiritually and geopolitically, and the Orthodox response grounded in patristic theology, ecclesiology, and a Christ-centered reading of Scripture. While the Orthodox Church loves and respects the Jewish people, she categorically rejects any theology that undermines the New Covenant, separates Jesus from the fulf...