Insights on Zionism from Muslim/Arab Researchers- Part 3
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Origins of Christian Zionism
Since our research is about “fundamentalism” in the West, it is important to clarify this term in their sources, then clarify it in Arabic books, as this is the primary language of research. If we refer to “fundamentalism” in English dictionaries, we find that it is expressed as “fundamentalism,” meaning “foundation” and “origin.” A “fundamentalist” is one who adheres to a return to the literal origins of the Bible. Fundamentalism is: A Protestant doctrine that emerged in the twentieth century, affirming the infallibility of the Bible not only in matters of faith and morality, but also in everything related to history and other matters of the unseen, such as the story of creation, the birth of Christ from the Virgin Mary, his second coming into the world, and the bodily resurrection. [Footnote a]
In Arabic language dictionaries, the term “fundamentalism” is derived from the root of a thing, which refers to its foundation or the source from which it originates, as in the phrase “the root of the law.” The foundations of sciences are the principles upon which judgments are based, and the term used to refer to this is “fundamentalist.” Both languages converge in their meanings of foundation, principle, and rule. While Arabic offers a broader range of connotations compared to English, the latter emphasizes the literal inerrancy of the Bible, a concept particularly associated with Christianity in general and Protestantism in particular. Regarding the British Encyclopedia, it defines fundamentalism as: “A conservative movement within American Protestantism that emerged in the nineteenth century, emphasizing essential tenets of Christianity, including literal interpretation, absolute inerrancy of the Bible, the imminent physical return of Christ, the virgin birth, resurrection, and atonement.” According to this source, fundamentalism is a Protestant doctrine that asserts the literal inerrancy of the Bible, as claimed by its adherents, along with the second coming of Christ. [Footnote b]
Regarding Western scholars, there is a divergence in their descriptions of fundamentalism. Some argue that it is a reaction against liberalism, secularism, and Darwinism, aimed at affirming the inerrancy of the Bible and addressing beliefs related to the Second Coming of Christ, as well as the crucifixion and redemption of humanity from sin, according to their perspective. Others contend that it originated as a form of Anglo-American millennialism prior to World War I, but later evolved into a movement opposing modernity. [Footnote c]
The focus on the second coming of Christ (peace be upon him) is more pronounced than ever. As for Arab writers, some have defined it as a movement characterized by rigidity and inflexibility, opposing any form of progress or innovation. Thus, fundamentalism can be categorized into two concepts: the first is a notion present in Islamic thought, referring to a return to the original source. The second concept is a contemporary Western interpretation that equates fundamentalism with extremism, rigidity, and strict adherence to religious laws and traditions, applicable to both Christianity and Islam. This understanding is perhaps the most prevalent and recognized in today’s media. Generally, the term “fundamentalism” is associated with views, stances, and religious judgments that reflect inflexibility, fanaticism, and a sense of superiority, often characterized by an overwhelming reliance on literal textual authority. In this context, it encompasses all religions; however, the focus of this research is on the term “Christian fundamentalism.” This term refers to the strict religious movements concerning matters of faith and ethics, which uphold a literal interpretation of the Bible in both its Old and New Testaments. These movements believe that the scriptures provide guidance for all aspects of life, including political affairs, particularly prophecies that allude to future events leading to the restoration of Israel and the second coming of Christ. [Footnote d]
The Christian fundamentalists are the Protestants who believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, interpret it literally, and assert the necessity of the geographical existence of “Israel” in “Palestine” as a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Christ. This fundamentalist perspective has evolved to the point where it views Western civilization as fundamentally Greek, Roman, and Jewish, rather than solely a Greek and Roman heritage. Consequently, this development has led to the characterization of the Protestant Reformation as a “Hebraic Jewish revival.” Christian fundamentalists emphasize a central theme in their interpretation of the Old Testament: “Israel” and its people, chosen by God as a sacred entity. They advocate for its defense against adversaries and support its cause, alongside the belief in its eternal claim to the Promised Land. These fundamentalists adhere strictly to the literal interpretation of texts, shaping their religious outlook to assert that the “Israel” mentioned in the Old Testament refers to contemporary “Israel” in “Palestine.” They view the establishment of the “State of Israel” in “Palestine” in 1948 as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a sign of the imminent second coming of Christ.
The term “fundamentalism” in its current intellectual context only emerged in 1910 when a series of twelve volumes was published under the supervision of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. This collection, titled “The Fundamentals,” included ninety articles authored by a group of Protestant theologians who opposed modernism. These writings advocated for the acceptance of the Bible as divinely inspired and infallible. The term gained traction in the American press during the 1920s, largely due to the division among churches regarding Darwin’s theory of evolution. In the 1940s, fundamentalists criticized the social policies implemented by President Franklin Roosevelt in response to the economic recession. [Footnote e]
In the 1970s, the fundamentalist movement evolved into a political force with its own organizations and churches. This movement exerts influence on public policies through lobbying efforts directed at the White House and Congress. Additionally, it impacts its followers via newsletters, emails, religious radio and television stations, universities, mobilizing votes during elections, fundraising, and supporting congressional candidates who align with its message. [Footnote f]
[Footnote a]: See: Al-Mawrid, English-Arabic Dictionary, p. 373, and Oxford Ocean English-Arabic Dictionary, p. 423. Sociology of Religion, p. 947. 2) See: Sociology of Religion, p. 240, and For the Sake of Zion, p. 238. See: Sociology of Religion, p. 240, and Al-Mawrid, English-Arabic Dictionary, p. 373, and Oxford Ocean English-Arabic Dictionary, p. 423.
[Footnote b] Encyclopedia of the American Religious Experience, p. 947: Perhaps Curtis Loza examines this topic in his article titled “The Fundamentalism of Our Time,” published in the Democracy magazine, issue 29, eighth year, January 2008, p. 27. For further reference, see: Al-Ma’jam Al-Maqayis Al-Lugha, 1:61; Al-Sihah Dictionary, p. 45; Al-Misbah Al-Munir, p. 14; Al-Qamus Al-Muhit, p. 50; Al-Mu’jam Al-Wajiz, p. 19; and Al-Mu’jam Al-Wasat, p. 20. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 5, pp. 51-52.
[Footnote c]: Liberalism originates from the term “liberals,” which refers to a political party that emerged in Spain in the early 19th century. It represents a capitalist ideology that emphasizes the freedom of individuals or groups in their beliefs, lifestyles, and political policies concerning states and governments. For further details, refer to the Political Encyclopedia, pages 566-567, and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, volume 13, pages 1017-1022. 2. Secularism is a doctrine aimed at redirecting people’s focus from the afterlife to worldly matters alone. It embodies the concept of non-religiosity or the separation of religion from daily life, arising in response to the dominance of church authorities and the conflict between the church and science. For more information, see the Political Encyclopedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, volume 1094, pages 179-180, and the development of secularism, pages 21-24, 123-206. 3. Darwinism is a theory in political sociology that applies Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, positing that survival is determined by the fittest. This theory was presented by British philosopher Herbert Spencer, although it lost much of its influence by the early 20th century. For additional insights, consult the Political Encyclopedia, pages 642-643, and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, volume 3, pages 894-895. 4. For instance, Luis Gaspar in his book “The Fundamentalist Movement” states on page 13, referencing “The Jewish Christ” on page 188, and discusses fundamentalism in divine laws on page 98. 5. Modernity is a broad term that encompasses various doctrines, opinions, and critical practices in religion, literature, architecture, and society. According to Western sources, it originated as a critical movement opposing the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, emerging in the late 19th century and early 20th century. This movement advocated for a re-interpretation of religion and a reading of religious texts in light of scientific, historical, and philosophical insights, characterized by a rigorous critique of religion and its scriptures.
[Footnote d]: Refer to the historian Ernst Sandin in “The Jewish Messiah,” page 188. 2. Consult Dr. Muhammad Al-Jalband in his work “Fundamentalism and Dialogue with the Other,” page 10. 3. See “Fundamentalism in Divine Laws,” page not specified. 4. Refer to “Christian Zionism” by Abdullah Al-Hassan, page 49. 5. For further information, see “The Religious Dimension,” page 10, and “The Jewish Messiah,” page 188.
[Footnote e]: For further reading, see: The Rise of Protestantism, p. 59; The Day of God, pp. 118-119; and A Treatise on Protestant Fundamentalism, p. 12. 2) Refer to: pp. 246-247. Liensch, Redeeming, as cited in: The Roots of Extremism, p. 69. 3) Consult: The Roots of Extremism, p. 69; The Rise of Protestantism, p. 59; The Jewish Christ, p. 187; For the Sake of Zion, p. 238; and A Treatise on Protestant Fundamentalism, p. 11. 4) Darwin, born in 1809 and deceased in 1882, was an English scientist who established the theory of historical evolution of the organic world. He expanded biological knowledge and addressed practical agricultural issues of his time, incorporating empirical data gathered from his global travels. His book, “On the Origin of Species,” raised fundamental questions regarding the theory of evolution and provided a scientific account of human descent from animal ancestors. He was a dialectical thinker and an atheist. The Political Encyclopedia, 642/2, and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Vol. 3894: see the Global Arab Encyclopedia, 226/10-228. Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in 1882 and passed away in 1945. He served as the President of the United States starting in 1932, during which he implemented numerous banking and financial reforms in his first term. He transformed the Democratic Party, which he belonged to, into a less conservative alternative to the Republican Party. In 1933, he recognized the Soviet government and was elected for a third term as President. In 1941, he declared war on Germany and established the United Nations, which held its first session in San Francisco in 1945. He continued his presidency for a fourth term in 1944. For further reference, see the Simplified Arab Encyclopedia, 891/11-892, the Political Encyclopedia, 842/2, and the Global Arab Encyclopedia, 335/11-337. For additional information, refer to The Jewish Messiah, pages 187-188, and For the Sake of Zion, page 237. Refer to Christianity, Islam, and Orientalism: p. 260. See: The Religious Dimension: p. 11, and Do Jews Have a Religious or Historical Right in Palestine: pp. 173/2-174. See: The Roots of Extremism: p. 69, The Jewish Messiah: p. 187, and A Treatise on Protestant Fundamentalism: pp. 11-12. Chicago is a major city located in the northeastern part of the state of Illinois, recognized as the second industrial hub in the United States. Its industrial outputs include food products, electrical appliances, and machinery, and it serves as a significant transportation center. Refer to: The Arab World Encyclopedia: pp. 310/14-313.
[Footnote f]: The Congress serves as the legislative authority in the United States, established in 1789. It is composed of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senators are elected directly, with specific requirements including a minimum age of thirty years and American citizenship. In contrast, the House of Representatives elects one member from each state, with the stipulation that representatives must be at least twenty-five years old and residents of the state they represent. The House elects a Speaker, who oversees its functions, including the discussion of the budget prior to its presentation to the Senate. Congress is regarded as the center of power in the United States and is influenced by various Jewish lobbying groups that affect its foreign policy. Refer to: Encyclopedia of Politics: 276/5 See also: Deconstructing America: pp. 41-46; cited from The Jewish Messiah: p. 188.
An Excerpt from “Wan-Nasraniyyah As-Suhruniyyah Nash’atuha Wa Ahammu Aqa’idiha” 1/104-110By Jawharah Bint Muhammad Jam’aan Al-Qahtani.
NB: The information presented in this article is derived from the findings of the researcher. While she has made significant efforts to include numerous references and viewpoints, it is important to acknowledge that no text, apart from the Qur’an and Sunnah, is entirely free from errors, omissions, or lapses in memory on the part of any researcher. The information articulated in the article reflect the researcher’s personal views, and not all assertions can be independently verified by the individual who published this article (Abdullah Jallow). Therefore, those who find the information unsatisfactory are encouraged to conduct additional research or reach out to the author for further clarification. Nonetheless, the existing knowledge regarding Zionism in contemporary times is substantial, particularly in light of over seventy years of oppression faced by the Palestinians.