In the aftermath of the United States' strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend, Christian Zionism took center stage as conservative Texas pastors rallied, framing the military action as a Biblical mandate rather than mere geopolitics, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday.
Pastor Jack Graham of Plano’s Prestonwood Baptist Church led the chorus, praising President Donald Trump’s strike and declaring he was “so grateful for his moral clarity and his commitment to keep America safe and protect it.”
The Chronicle further reported that Graham told his congregation of 50,000 that “peace comes through strength” and warned, “You cannot allow the primary sponsor of terrorism in the world to have a nuclear weapon.”
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On Sunday morning, Graham took to social media, writing: "As we gather in churches across America and around the world today, let us pray with thanksgiving that the nuclear threat of Iranian madmen is obliterated."
This support extends beyond national security concerns into a broader evangelist movement rooted in dispensationalist theology — a belief that backing Israel is not only politically sound but fulfills prophecy and hastens the Second Coming of Christ.
Texas pastors have consistently expressed solidarity with Israel, citing U.S. involvement in conflicts with Hamas and Iran as part of a divine script. Their conviction is that partial support won't suffice and unwavering allegiance to Israel is a scriptural imperative.
The Chronicle's report notes that leaders like San Antonio’s Pastor John Hagee have turned Christian Zionist ideology into political power. Hagee founded Christians United for Israel (CUFI), which claims over 10 million members and aggressively lobbies for pro-Israel initiatives, including embassy relocation, settlement backing, and even pre‑emptive strikes against Iran, per the report.
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At CUFI gatherings, conflict in the Middle East is reportedly portrayed not as diplomacy gone wrong but as the necessary precursor to the “bloody last battle at Armageddon,” after which believers expect Jesus to return and usher in a thousand-year reign.
For adherents, current Middle Eastern tensions aren’t accidents of history — they’re foretold events coming to life. This worldview has translated into tangible influence: evangelical voters and lobbyists have shaped U.S. policy on Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and pressure on Iran.
Despite this, criticism comes from within Christian ranks. Historical declarations like La Grange in 1979 and 1981 challenged the theological underpinnings of Christian Zionism, warning that uncritical support for Israel undermines Palestinian rights and complicates interfaith efforts.
Meanwhile, younger evangelicals are increasingly questioning whether scripture mandates backing every Israeli policy or military action, the report noted.
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