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Philosemitism is most visible among the almost 90 million evangelical Christians in the United States. Many evangelicals are Dispensationalists, who believe our current era is nearing an end, leading to a final period of judgment and the second coming of Jesus as Messiah.
The existence of Israel is a key factor in their view of the end of times.
Dispensationalism has been greatly popularized by the multi-million-selling series of Books in the "Left Behind" series. These books are co-authored by Tim Lahaye.
Lahaye' s and Thomas Ice, are Founders of the Pre-tribulation center.
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Thomas Ice
The basis for philosemitism is that God has a future for Israel. The future is that they are going to come back to the land like they are now. And they are going to go through the seven year tribulation.
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This view, called Christian Zionism, is rejected by most main-line evangelical churches.
The Reformed Church, one of the oldest evangelical churches in the United States, has issued an official denoucement of Christian Zionism, authored by Rev. Joh Hubers.
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Rev. Hubers.
What we have in Israel/Palestine is a political issue. It's two people who both lay claim to the same land. It has to be settled politically, and has to be settled keeping human rights in mind.
I would just like to see all that Theology removed from the scene.
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Huber says that Israel's Human Rights policies suppression of Palestinian Christians should be the real focus of the evangelicals.
Other evangelicals prefer not to engage in the debate over Christian Zionism.
The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem supports Israel with humanitarian aid, education and travel programs.
Susan Michael is their United States director.
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Susan Michael
we don't really get in a lot of doctrine, We don't do what do because of anything what we call Prophesy or end time events. We're Christians, we have a Christian Theology, We do believe that Jesus is coming back,
That's not what we're basing our support of Israel on,
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Michael's support of Jews is a natural extension -and strengthening --of her beliefs.
Another Christian based organization, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews raised 50 million dollars supporting Israel last year—the second highest of any foundation; Their typical supporter is a bible-believing Christian who supports jews based on basic views of Christian Love and tolerance .
Gary Mamo is their Executive Vice-President
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Gary Mamo
There is always the assumption that end-times motivates Christian Support for Israel
But if you are talking about a group of people who are faithful
Who believe like an Orthodox Jew does that the bible is God's word to think that we could do something to foster, or force God's hand, then
End-times doesn't really hang together Theologically.
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Some jewish groups are suspicious of PhiloSemitism, It can be seen as anti-Semitism in a different guise—especially in a politically correct world.
There are fears that this is part of another attempt at conversion. Especially when some evangelical Christians like the Southern Baptists actively seek to convert Jews or support such organizations as Jews for Jesus.
Plus Christian Zionists envision Jews being converted as part of the coming end-times—an unpopular thought for many.
However, allies are hard to find for the Jewish Community
Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor is the interfaith director for the Jewish Anti- Defamation league,
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Gary Bretton-Granatoor
It can be viewed as a danger by those people who don't really know what is going on.
We Jews are always concerned about being put in the position of the victim.
And certainly the better part of our existence. Has been placed in that situation.
//, On the other hand I don't really believe that this is a problem.
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With anti-Semitism on the rise elsewhere, and common fears of Islamic Militants, the political muscle that these Christians wield is attractive for the Jewish community—especially Zionists.
For increasing number of Christians, Philosemitism is part of a deeply felt religious identity. An identity that is the guiding force in their political lives.
David Ressel
Columbia Radio News.