The war between Israel and Iran is to be lamented. The loss of life in both countries is horrific. As is the loss of life among the Palestinians in Gaza, and among the Israelis who were killed on October 3.
Having visited the holy land, i found much to admire about Israel and the Israelis. There was much to admire about the Palestinians in the Palestinian Territories. Both are good people.
I have never visited Iran, but Iran is a great civilization and culture. The present war is a failure of diplomacy and the worst instincts of all the above have failed. Orthodox Christians have an obvious interest in the holy land because of the sites associated with Christ. We also have an interest because of the gospel and its teachings on peace in the beatitudes.
Unfortunately, there are some “Christians” who have betrayed Christ and have contributed to the horrors playing out. “Christian Zionists” are the idolaters who emphasize apocalyptic elements of Christianity at the expense of the gospel as a whole. The New Testament does not teach what these heretical “Christians” teach.
Christians should be looking to establish peace among the great Jewish, Arab, and Persian people’s. The false “Christians” endorse war, and endless pain and suffering for all of the above because of their misunderstanding of the Old Testament.
Long overdue is a pronouncement from the Orthodox Church on “Christian Zionism”. The Church has in the past condemned heresies. “Christian Zionism” is a heresy of the modern age and should be condemned for confusing Christ with secular political ideology.
Considering the horrific loss of life and the implications of total annihilation, these crazed religious fanatics calling for the apocalypse must be stopped. The Orthodox Church can do its part by calling out this heresy and condemning it.
Christians have a responsibility to the Jewish people in light of anti semitism and the Holocaust. This does not mean giving support to the secular interests and pursuits of Israel. Indeed, Israel’s policies over the decades have led to the expulsions of Palestinian Christians from the holy land.
Just as many Orthodox clerics spoke against the Nazis during the holocaust, Orthodox bishops are obligated to speak on behalf of the Palestinians of Gaza. For moral reasons.
Christians are obligated to love all people, not only Christians. Christians are obligated to help and assist Muslims, Jews, atheists, and others who are in need. “Christian Zionists” are heretics and religious fanatics.
They are evil.