Understanding Christian Zionism: Israel's Place in the Purposes of God

Christian Zionism has been described by Hamas as "the greatest danger to world truth, justice, and peace" and by the church as "a powerful force" that "fuels the Arab-Israeli conflict" and "encourages the destruction of millions of people" with its "Armageddon theology." It has also been denounced as "pernicious," "biblically untenable," "anathema to the Christian faith," and "one of the most dangerous and heretical movements in the world." How sustainable are these charges, and is there a case to answer? By locating Christian Zionism firmly within the evangelical tradition, Paul Wilkinson takes issue with those who have portrayed it as a "totally unbiblical menace" and as the "road map to Armageddon." Charting in detail its origins and historical development, he argues that Christian Zionism lays the biblical foundation for Israel's restoration and Christ’s return. No one has contributed more to this cause than its leading architect and patron, John Nelson Darby, an "uncompromising champion for Christ's glory and God's truth." This groundbreaking book challenges decades of misrepresentation and scholarship, exploding the myth that John Nelson Darby stole the doctrine of the pre-tribulation Rapture from his contemporaries. By revealing the man and his message, Paul Wilkinson vindicates Darby and spotlights the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ as the centerpiece of his theology.