Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 180:718 (Apr 2023)
Article: A Response To “Genesis 12:3, Christian Zionism, And Blessing Israel”
Author: Darrell L. Bock

BSac 180:718 (April-June 2023) p. 164

A Response To “Genesis 12:3, Christian Zionism, And Blessing Israel”

Darrell L. Bock

Darrell L. Bock is Senior Research Professor in New Testament Studies and Executive Director for Cultural Engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas.

Abstract

This response to Bruce Fisk’s “Genesis 12:3, Christian Zionism, and Blessing Israel” raises questions regarding sufficiently considering Genesis 12:1–3 and Old Testament texts on Israel’s restoration after disobedience, what Christ and the apostles say about the hope for Israel in God’s plan, and jihadist views and their impact on the region. It also notes many legitimate points the article raises while expressing concern for injustices past and current that have impacted the Palestinian presence in the land.

It is a pleasure to respond to Bruce Fisk’s article “Genesis 12:3, Christian Zionism, and Blessing Israel.” For more than three years, Bruce and I have been part of a monthly discussion group, Christians in Conversation on the Middle East. The group is composed of people with various views on that challenging part of the world, some more pro-Palestinian and others more pro-Israel. Despite our differences and given our shared commitment to Christ, we have tried to engage in a dialogue that is helpful to us all. Fisk’s article reflects that goal from a perspective that asks questions about various aspects of a pro-Israel position. My response comes as one who continues to see a future for Israel, not just for Jews, in the plan of God while sharing concern for the plight of Palestinians in the region.

I will proceed through Fisk’s article in its order and then briefly summarize at the end. I have chosen to focus strictly on his article, not footnotes, to keep my response compact.

BSac 180:718 (April-June 2023) p. 165

On The Initial Framing Of “Christian Zionism In A Nutshell”

The article begins with the note that Genesis 12:3 is a key text for Christian Zionism, and this is certainly correct. There follows an interesting array of witnesses to this ranging from politicians early in the last century to figures like Jerry Falwell, friends of Donald Trump, and Lindsey Graham. In this initial development, almost nothing in the body is said about the history of this discussion among theologians and biblical scholars, leaving that work to the footnotes and some of the later discussion. Some of those theological elements surface later in the article, but the initial framing suggests a movement that...