Christian Zionism and the Restoration of Israel

“Behind the raging Christian battle over the state of Israel and its right to the land, Chapman sees another vigorous debate, over how to interpret the Bible. Should the New Testament guide our reading of the Old? Does Jesus fulfill Israel’s hope for restoration? Are gentile followers of Jesus full citizens in the commonwealth of Israel? If Chapman is right, if personal hermeneutics shape global politics, the Bible should come with a warning label!”


—Bruce N. Fisk, Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East





“The church is awash with books about Israel and Christian Zionism written by unreliable and ill-informed nonexperts. Colin Chapman is one of the few international scholars who can address these troubling discussions with authority. He begins with a goldmine of answers for the ten central questions surrounding this religious-political movement. From there he studies the Old Testament prophets’ view of the restoration of Israel. As with Chapman’s other books on Jerusalem and modern Israel, this volume is grounded in well-reasoned biblical argument and matured wisdom anchored in his long career in the Middle East. Anyone who is drawn to issues of Israel and the Bible needs to have this valuable book close in hand.”


—Gary M. Burge, Dean of the Faculty, Calvin Theological Seminary





“An invitation to meaningful and constructive dialogue with Christian Zionists, this book helps move the conversation forward by providing abundant opportunities to engage with biblical passages throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament related to Zionism and Israel. Regardless of if one agrees, Chapman's expertise and contextual knowledge provoke critical questions and provide invaluable resources that will help the church bridge divides and move toward a more holistic understanding of the Bible and Israel.”


—Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace





“While unrest continues throughout the Middle East and particularly in the land of Israel and Palestine, many Christians continue to debate the meaning of the Scriptures. Some propose that throughout the Old Testament, God unconditionally promised the land to the Jewish people. Others ask: What is the effect of the coming of Christ on our understanding of the promises? Enter Colin Chapman. Chapman grapples with the issues from the perspective that the New Testament is the inspired interpreter of the Old.”


—Rob Dalrymple, author of These Brothers of Mine: A Biblical Theology of Land





“Colin Chapman is a man who seeks love and justice. His interpretation of Christian Zionism is the opposite of what I would conclude. It is not about politics but about biblical interpretation. However, it is important that all understand the best versions of the two positions, the Christian Zionist one (that the Jewish people will return to the Land of Israel and there will come to faith in Yeshua; therefore we should support this return) and the non-Zionist position that such prophecies are not to be so interpreted. Colin Chapman gives an important and well-presented case for the opposition. Let the dialogue continue.”


—Daniel Juster, professor, author, and first president of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations





“This is an amazing resource and contribution to the discussion of Christian Zionism. With impeccable graciousness, the author makes the case for Christian Zionists better than they can do themselves, by asking a long series of questions from their perspective. He then gently but firmly demolishes their case by responding to each and every one of these questions, with gentleness, empathy, but proper logic and doctrine. He does not avoid or evade any issue, but deals with it with compassion, empathy, and truth. I highly recommend this book for any fair-minded Christian.”


—Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian Christian attorney and author of Beyond the Two States Solution