Dispensational theology—especially its modern American form—treated Jews as a distinct covenantal nation whose return to Palestine is providential and often prior to conversion. That theological frame, popularized by Darby, Scofield and later evangelicals, became a durable cultural and political justification for unconditional allied support of the modern State of Israel.
— If policymakers and analysts trace U.S. pro‑Israel politics to a concrete theological lineage, debates about foreign policy, lobbying, and religious influence become better grounded and more actionable.
Collin Slowey
2026.01.13
80% relevant
Douthat’s framing and the author’s rebuttal in this article directly bear on the claim that U.S. foreign policy toward Israel is partly explained by influential domestic religious commitments; the article provides a concrete media instance (Douthat’s column and the backlash) that shows how theological narratives enter elite policymaking and public debate.
Jay W. Richards
2026.01.12
82% relevant
By distinguishing Zionism from Christian Zionism, the article illuminates how religious beliefs (Dispensationalist readings of scripture) translate into concrete political pressure on U.S. officials—precisely the mechanism identified by the existing idea tying theology to American policy toward Israel.
2026.01.05
100% relevant
Article names John Darby, Cyrus Scofield and the shift from covenantal to dispensational premillennialism and notes the doctrinal move that decoupled return to Palestine from conversion, which is the direct mechanism connecting theology to political support.
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