Christian Zionism in Africa

In this book, scholars in history, law, political science, biblical studies , theology, and interfaith relations analyze the actions and significance of Christian Zionist work across Africa, discussing implications for faith, justice, and international relations in Africa, Israel, and Palestine.

Christian Zionism—a movement based on the belief that support of Israel, and Israeli ownership of and residence in Jerusalem, is a prerequisite for Christ’s return—has been a significant substratum within theologies and ecclesiologies of many churches in the US and Europe for centuries. Since the 1970s, US-based Christian Zionism organizations, encouraged by and collaborating with the Israeli government, have used a significant amount of resources to spread the movement into other regions of the world, including Africa. In many African countries, Christian Zionism combines perniciously with Prosperity Gospel preaching, interpreting Genesis 12:3 as a divine map to gain blessings—material and otherwise—through complete and uncritical support for the modern-day State of Israel. Many African governments have come to understand that this support is lucrative--and coercive. African officials working with Israel learn that openly supporting Palestine will result in their partnerships with Israel being discontinued.

Contributors to this interdisciplinary volume analyze the meaning and ramifications of the emergence of Christian Zionist ideologies in Africa and its churches, in interfaith work, in politics, in law, and in the use and abuse of power between peoples of different races, histories, economic strength, and influence on the international stage.

History, Law, and Politics

1. Onward Christian Soldiers: An Historical Overview of Christian Zionism John M. Hubers

2. Historicizing Zionism from Gospel Songs in East Africa, Late 1980s to the Present

Samwel Shanga Mhajida

3. Assessing the Legal Realities of Zionism in Africa Benjamin J. Parsalaw and Sara Ryan

4. Apartheid and Christian Zionism Jonathan Kuttab

5. ‘Brand Jesus’: Pro-Israel Messaging through Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in Ghana Suraya Dadoo

Biblical and Theological Aspects and Impacts

6. Christian Zionism: An African Theological Critique Nehemia G. Moshi

7. Describing Christian Zionism as Heresy Mark Rich

8. Paul's Inclusive Christianity as a Means against Xenophobic, Anti-Semitic and Anti-Immigrant Ideologies in the 21st Century Faustin Leonard Mahali

9. Race, Power, and Theology: A Christian Appraisal of Christian Zionism in Africa Cynthia Holder Rich

Ministry in the Church

10. Christian Zionism in Tanzania: A case study from the Evangelical Lutheran Church Modestus Lukonge

11. The New Christian Zionism in Africa: A Critical Analysis from a Missiological Perspective Jörg Zehelein

12. Empire and African Initiated Churches: The Cost of Israel’s Lies Marthie Momberg

13. Zionism, the Palestinian call and the meaning of the land: a challenge to the church Mark Braverman