Let’s hear it for the thousands of Christians who took to the streets of Jerusalem yesterday to proclaim their love of Israel – especially because the event was largely free of the right-wing politics that often mark such events both in Israel and in America. In fact, I think that the reason some folks are so upset by this particular demonstration is that in the absence of such rhetoric, it becomes harder to discredit the demonstrators or to raise people’s fears about their apocalyptic fervor.

The site of thousands of people tapping in to the deepest rhythms of their faith in celebration of a free and safe Israel, without imposing a specific political agenda, should be applauded by anyone who is not adamantly opposed to the existence of the state. But it’s not so simple. The mere fact that these are largely Evangelical Christians is enough to rouse people’s anger and mistrust.
I would be the first to admit that any faith which imagines that all people must ultimately share their views is ultimately problematic. And minimally, such believers should be asked to point to any time in human history when that kind of belief did not ultimately cause real damage and harm. But to assume that all people who believe that are incapable of relating to those who do not share their faith with respect and affection is a gross overstatement — one that those who loathe Evangelicals love to indulge.

A recent encounter with James Carroll, author of the best selling Constantine’s Sword: The Church and The Jews, confirmed this all too painfully. Speaking from the same podium before a packed house at a large New Jersey synagogue, both Carroll and I were asked about Christian Zionists.

Mr. Carroll, for whom I have enormous respect both as an author and a thinker, quickly called out that such people are “no friends of Israel”. He spoke about the most extreme position within a far from monolithic community and sowed seeds of real fear amongst the mostly Jewish audience. And turning to me, remarked that “I would certainly agree”.
I surprised my co-panelist by telling him that he was 100% correct, but only about 50% of the story. No doubt that there are real theological issues between out communities. And there is no doubt about the dangers of any religious group, Christian or Jewish, mobilizing political pressure behind a messianic vision, especially when it is not their bodies on the front lines.
But what about the fact that those same people, with their problematic views and politics with which I could not disagree more, were the ones riding busses with me and my family in Jerusalem when they were blowing up on an almost daily basis? Where were the Christian peace activists who stood as the Israeli security barrier went up, taping the sometimes truly degrading behavior of the soldiers as they worked, when café’s and pizza parlors were blowing up weekly before that barrier was built? They sure were not eating alongside me and my friends. But Evangelicals were. So should that count for nothing? I think not.
So I celebrate both the Christians who marched yesterday in Jerusalem and their decision to focus on their love of Israel rather than a particular political-theological agenda. And unless you really do hate one side or another in the Middle East, that should be a no-brainer for everybody.