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Book Description

In this thoughtful examination of contemporary Christian attitudes toward Israel, theologian Steven Paas navigates the complex terrain between genuine love and uncritical devotion. Writing from a position of natural sympathy for modern Israel and deep concern for combating antisemitism, Paas questions whether positive feelings toward the Jewish state should remain unlimited or evolve into religious veneration.

The author traces both historical and emerging forms of Israel-focused devotion that have developed or gained renewed emphasis following the Holocaust. While acknowledging this tragic backdrop, he challenges ideological sympathies and blind reverence that ignore fundamental theological differences between Christianity and Judaism. For Paas, authentic love for the Jewish people cannot sidestep the central question of accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ as the defining criterion between these faith traditions.

Through eight comprehensive chapters, this work argues against the concept of an "Abrahamic ecumenism" and questions biblical justifications for holding exceptional expectations regarding contemporary Israel. Paas contends that the Gospel of divine grace transcends national and ethnic privileges, suggesting that Israel should be viewed through the same spiritual lens as any other nation.

The book pays particular attention to orthodox Christians who maintain extraordinary hope and affection for Israel while firmly rejecting labels like "Israelists" or "Christian Zionists." This nuanced exploration offers readers a biblically grounded framework for evaluating post-Holocaust expectations and attitudes toward Israel in contemporary Christian thought.