Is the Term “Christian Zionism” Too Toxic to Use? A Serious Conversation Christians Need Right Now

About this sermon

Christian Zionism is suddenly everywhere. Headlines, social media, and conversations in the church and I keep hearing the same question: “Are you a Christian Zionist?” In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned theologian Dr. Gerald McDermott and my friend Mike Amane to slow the conversation down and bring academic rigor, biblical clarity, and humility to a topic that’s been flattened into slogans. We talk about why the term has become so provocative, how “bearing false witness” shows up in online discourse, and why broad-brush stereotypes (“the Jews,” “the Muslims,” “the evangelicals”) do real harm. Dr. McDermott defines Christian Zionism through the lens of Scripture—Old and New Testament—addressing replacement theology, the ongoing place of the Jewish people in God’s affections, and the claim that the land of Israel remains significant in the story of redemption. I also share what shifted my perspective: realizing God’s covenant is not only with a people, but also tied to a land—something you can’t fully grasp until you experience Israel firsthand. If you’ve felt confused by the media narrative, pressured by labels, or unsure how to think biblically without losing compassion and nuance, this conversation is for you. Share it with your pastor, your small group, and anyone trying to understand what’s really being said—and what isn’t. Chapters: 00:00 — Why “Christian Zionism” Is Everywhere Right Now 01:08 — Setting the Stage: Guests, Credentials, and Why This Matters 02:36 — A Confession: Most People Inherit a Position, Not a Process 04:18 — “Do Not Bear False Witness”: The Social Media Problem 08:08 — Is “Christian Zionism” Now Too Toxic to Define? 09:05 — A Simple Definition: Nations Decide Their Own Futures 12:02 — McDermott Defines Christian Zionism: Zion, Holiness, and Continuity 15:10 — The Land Promise: “More Than 1,000 Times” & Why It Matters 17:46 — “What About the New Testament Shift?” Great Commission vs. Land Promise 25:06 — How I Changed My Mind: Israel, Covenant with Land, and the “Fifth Gospel” Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertrstearns/ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertrstearns/ Don't forget to PUSH THE BELL to get NOTIFICATIONS of new and upcoming videos.