Support for Israel among U.S. conservatives, especially young evangelicals, is declining due to recent conflicts in Gaza and the influence of controversial figures questioning Israel's policies, which could impact U.S. aid and political support for Israel.
The article discusses how TikTok has become a platform for evangelical Christians to share their beliefs and preparations for the rapture, a biblical event where believers ascend to heaven, amid current societal turmoil, with many users engaging in humorous or serious content about the end times.
White evangelical Christians are significant supporters of Israel, influencing U.S. policy due to their organized and dedicated constituency. This support is rooted in historical and theological connections, which are explored in the context of current Middle Eastern conflicts.
Conservative Christians, particularly evangelicals, are increasingly supporting Israel through donations, visits, and volunteer work in response to the recent conflict with Hamas. This support is driven by religious beliefs and a sense of solidarity with Israel, despite rising antisemitism and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. Some Christian organizations, however, are advocating for peace and criticizing the war. The support includes significant financial contributions and on-the-ground assistance, particularly in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Former President Donald Trump is selling the "God Bless the USA Bible" for $59.99, urging supporters to "Make America Pray Again" as he faces mounting legal bills. The Bible, featuring a King James Version and patriotic content, is the latest in a series of commercial ventures pursued by Trump, including branded sneakers and NFTs. Despite his popularity with white evangelical Christians, Trump's history and behavior have often clashed with Christian teachings, and his latest venture is not without controversy.
Evangelical Christians, strong supporters of Israel, are visiting as war-time volunteers, believing in Israel's role in an end-times prophecy. Organized trips include volunteering aspects connected to the war in Gaza, with around one-third to half of the expected 3,000 daily visitors in March being part of faith-based volunteer trips. These volunteers aim to boost morale and provide support to Israelis during the ongoing conflict, with some participating in initiatives such as preparing meals for soldiers and helping farmers harvest crops.
Pastors at former President Donald Trump's rallies are using their opening prayers as a platform to spread his grievances and conspiracy theories, calling for his re-election and invoking partisan language. These invocations provide insight into the evangelical world's acceptance of Trump's falsehoods and nationalism, with some pastors likening Trump's presence to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Despite the incongruity between Trump's behavior and traditional evangelical teachings, many evangelical Christians appear comfortable with this relationship. The pastors' prayers reflect their support for Trump and their belief in his return to the White House, despite evidence to the contrary.
Christian conservatives in Iowa, including Pastor Charles Hundley and members of his First Church of God, are influenced by their faith in their support for former President Donald Trump, who has been actively courting social conservatives and white evangelical Christians in the state. Despite Trump's unconventional background and controversies, some see him as exemplifying Christian principles and view his tough stance on issues like abortion and border security as aligning with their faith. Trump's emphasis on endorsements from faith leaders and his success in appointing conservative Supreme Court justices have also contributed to his support among evangelical voters in Iowa.
Christian conservatives in Iowa are heavily courted by former President Donald Trump and his rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination, with some citing their faith as the reason for supporting Trump. Despite his unconventional background and controversies, Trump has found strong support among evangelical Christians, who view his tough stance on issues like abortion and border security as aligning with their faith. Many believe that Trump was used by God to govern in godly principles and see his presidency as a way to return the country to its Christian roots.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy shared personal stories about their wives' miscarriages during an evangelical Christian forum in Iowa. The event, organized by the Family Leader, aimed to connect with the influential evangelical voter base in the state. DeSantis and Ramaswamy opened up about their experiences, highlighting the emotional toll of miscarriage. The forum also featured Nikki Haley, who faced questions about her stance on abortion. Evangelical Christians are a crucial voting bloc in Iowa, and candidates are seeking their support ahead of the 2024 presidential race.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has suspended his presidential campaign after months of struggling to gain traction in the GOP primary. Despite his long-held presidential ambitions, Pence faced a Republican electorate that had soured on his Reagan-era brand of politics. With donations sagging, Pence had recently used $150,000 of his own money to support his campaign, but it wasn't enough. Pence's resistance to overturning the 2020 election and his criticism of Trump and other GOP candidates further hindered his campaign. Despite enduring hostility from Trump's supporters, Pence continued his campaign with his wife by his side. While he did not endorse any candidate in his remarks, his presence may be felt in Trump's Jan. 6 trial and he is set to release a second book.
Several Republican presidential candidates, including Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, addressed a gathering of influential Iowa evangelical Christians at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual banquet and town hall, hoping to gain support from this key voting bloc. Former President Donald Trump, who remains popular with evangelical Christians, skipped the event. Trump's rivals face a tough task as he has a large lead in the early GOP primary despite not attending many campaign events. Abortion and gender education were among the key issues discussed at the gathering.
Several Republican presidential candidates, including Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, addressed a gathering of influential Iowa evangelical Christians at an event that Donald Trump chose to skip. Trump's rivals aimed to gain ground with this key voting bloc, but face a tough challenge as Trump maintains a strong lead in the GOP primary. Evangelical Christians in Iowa have been pleased with Trump's support for conservative causes, such as his Supreme Court picks and opposition to abortion. The candidates discussed issues like abortion and gender education in schools, with DeSantis emphasizing religious liberty. Despite concerns about party unity, some attendees expressed willingness to vote for Trump if he becomes the Republican nominee.
Several Republican presidential candidates, including Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, addressed a gathering of influential Iowa evangelical Christians at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's annual banquet and town hall, while former President Donald Trump skipped the event. Trump's rivals hoped to gain ground with the devout and well-connected social conservatives who play a decisive role in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses. Despite not attending, Trump has maintained popularity with evangelical Christians and social conservatives, who were pleased with his Supreme Court picks and his stance on abortion. The candidates discussed abortion and gender education in schools, with DeSantis vowing to battle against progressive policies and the "woke ideology."
Israeli officials are considering uprooting an ancient Christian mosaic, known as the Megiddo Mosaic, and loaning it to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, a move that has sparked controversy among archaeologists. The mosaic, which bears an early reference to Jesus as God, was discovered in 2005 near the site believed to be Armageddon. The proposed loan highlights the growing ties between Israel and evangelical Christians in the US, who provide political support and tourism dollars. Critics argue that removing the mosaic from its original location and exhibiting it at the Museum of the Bible could strip it of its historical context and serve an ideological agenda.