War and Peace Theology in German and Swedish Christian Zionism

Authors

Kristian Steiner

Abstract

This is a comparative study of how Swedish and German Christian Zionist literature from 1967–2012 portrays the chances for peace and the risk for war, globally and in the Middle East. Christian Zionism is a theology supporting the establishment and the preservation of the modern state of Israel as a Jewish homeland. Christian Zionist literature, in Germany and Sweden, demonstrates very little hope for peace, since this world is assumed fallen, heading for the apocalypse, in the hands of the Devil, and inhabited by a sinful humanity beyond improvement. The image of Arabs is clearly that of an enemy image; so portraying them as inferior: permanently lying, violent, dangerous, and incapable. Thus, peace with Arabs is futile. Jews are given appreciative attributes: intelligent, democratic, progressive and capable. However, Jews are instrumentalized, being regarded as a tool in a fatalistic end-time schema. They are expected to “return” to Israel, a requirement for the return of the Messiah. In Israel, Jews will face Armageddon, leaving many to perish. The readership of this literature is required to pray for Israel and for the “return” of Jews. However, it is explicitly dissuaded from supporting peace initiatives, and never required to save Jews from Armageddon. German and Swedish literatures generally share the same beliefs, and the discourse has been largely consistent over the years.

Recommended Citation

Steiner, Kristian (2013) "War and Peace Theology in German and Swedish Christian Zionism," International Dialogue: Vol. 3, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32873/uno.dc.ID.3.1.1053
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/id-journal/vol3/iss1/4