The dominant political theme of the State of Israel is the perpetual quest for security. In its first 25 years, Israel experienced five wars with Arab states declaring their goal to destroy Israel. In American Christian Support for Israel:Standing with the Chosen People, 1948-1975, Eric R. Crouse examines how American Christians responded to Israel's wars and the persistent threats to its security. While some were quick to condemn Israel as it made difficult and unpopular decisions in its fight for survival in a hostile region, conservative Christians were trustworthy supporters, routinely voicing uplifting reports. Crouse argues that Israel's embodiment of western ideals and its remarkable economic development gave conservative Christians good reasons to favor Israel in a troubled Middle East, but the main reason for their unconditional support was the key biblical text of Christian Zionism: "I will bless those who bless you [Abraham and his descendants], and I will curse him who curses you" (Genesis 12:3).
Autorentext
Eric R. Crouse is professor of History and Global Studies at Tyndale University, Toronto, Canada.
Inhalt
Chapter 1 The Road to War and Independence
Chapter 2 The Pan-Arab Invasion
Chapter 3 On to the Second Arab-Israel War
Chapter 4 The Sixties and the Six-Day War
Chapter 5 From Attrition to the Yom Kippur War
Chapter 6 Israel's Best Friends