If you're reading this, there's some corrections I made from the version that emailed.
1. Lebanese Druze are not 'Druze Christians.'
Without getting too into the weeds, they are a syncretic blend of Abrahamic and other monotheistic faiths that developed under a sect of Shia Islam, with Arab language and culture.
2. I included a small section that clarifies something -- I don't see modern-day Israel as a theocratic state under the same covenant with God as ancient Israel. Clearly, Israel is a modern, secular state. What I was trying to say initially (sometimes it takes more than one try), is that the OT connection to Israel, and in particular, God's promises to Abraham in Genesis add an element of wonder, symbolic poignancy, and for Christians, trust in God's plan for the Jewish people, more than half of whom now live in their ancient homeland. I'm also not saying that the state of Israel is direct prophet fulfillment, though it very well could be.
3. Christians are not obligated to support Israel's war efforts for Biblical reasons; they are obligated because Israel's defensive war against aggressors who want their destruction is clear, moral/ethical, and necessary. With Oct 7th and Iran's missile barrage, that moral dimension, though not a carte blanche justification for anything Israel could ever do, should be clearer than ever.
Hope that helps -- and thank you to readers who emailed me and pointed out that I should address these areas.
If you're reading this, there's some corrections I made from the version that emailed.
1. Lebanese Druze are not 'Druze Christians.'
Without getting too into the weeds, they are a syncretic blend of Abrahamic and other monotheistic faiths that developed under a sect of Shia Islam, with Arab language and culture.
2. I included a small section that clarifies something -- I don't see modern-day Israel as a theocratic state under the same covenant with God as ancient Israel. Clearly, Israel is a modern, secular state. What I was trying to say initially (sometimes it takes more than one try), is that the OT connection to Israel, and in particular, God's promises to Abraham in Genesis add an element of wonder, symbolic poignancy, and for Christians, trust in God's plan for the Jewish people, more than half of whom now live in their ancient homeland. I'm also not saying that the state of Israel is direct prophet fulfillment, though it very well could be.
3. Christians are not obligated to support Israel's war efforts for Biblical reasons; they are obligated because Israel's defensive war against aggressors who want their destruction is clear, moral/ethical, and necessary. With Oct 7th and Iran's missile barrage, that moral dimension, though not a carte blanche justification for anything Israel could ever do, should be clearer than ever.
Hope that helps -- and thank you to readers who emailed me and pointed out that I should address these areas.