This is a post I never intended to write. However, it grieves me to see this issue being used to divide our nation—and, more importantly, to create division among sincere, Christ-following believers. While I struggle to be brief and concise (as I dislike leaving too many loose ends), I will attempt to keep this as direct as possible.

The first issue with this discussion is that many arguments—especially those at the intersection of politics and religion—rely on manipulated terminology. Words are often redefined to serve an agenda, and the terms “Judaism,” “Zionism,” “Israel,” and “Antisemitism” are among the most misunderstood and misapplied.

Zionism – Zionism is a cultural and political movement that arose in the 19th century with the goal of establishing a Jewish homeland. While this desire may seem logical for any people group with a shared heritage—especially in light of biblical prophecies regarding Israel’s restoration—Zionism is far more complex.

The early leaders of the Zionist movement had questionable ethnic and religious connections to historic Judaism. The movement was largely influenced by political figures, particularly within the British Empire, which sought to manage its Middle Eastern interests. Additionally, many key Zionist figures adhered to Talmudic Judaism, which prioritizes the Talmud (a compilation of rabbinic interpretations and oral traditions) over the direct application of the Torah.

A fundamental distinction exists between Torah-based Jews, who look forward to a future Messiah as their only true deliverer, and Talmud-based Jews, who often embrace a more political interpretation of restoration. The latter view, which dominates modern Zionism, sees the establishment of a secular state as a fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Today, most practicing Jews adhere to some degree of Talmudic Zionism, including Orthodox, Conservative, and some Reformed branches. Because Talmudic Judaism emphasizes discourse, debate, and evolving interpretations, its beliefs and practices are fluid and context-dependent.

This is why I have previously argued that the modern nation of Israel is not equivalent to biblical Israel. Many Christians, having grown up singing “We’re Marching to Zion,” mistakenly equate modern political Zionism with the biblical “Zion,” which actually refers to the City of God. Unfortunately, some have fallen into the error of attempting to “force” God’s prophetic timeline through political action.

Antisemitism – The term “antisemitism” was first used by Wilhelm Marr in 1881. While it is commonly understood to mean “anti-Jewish,” its root word “Semite” originally referred to linguistic and ethnic groups, including Jews, Arabs, Assyrians, and Arameans. The term derives from “Shem,” one of Noah’s sons, and was first recorded in the late 18th century.

Modern political discourse, however, has narrowed “antisemitism” to mean hostility specifically toward Jews. This linguistic shift highlights how language is manipulated for political agendas. To promote clarity, we should consider asking those who use the term to specify which Semitic group they are referring to.

Application

So, how should we approach these terms and their implications?

First, we must develop discernment and see through political manipulation. For example, I am pro-Israel in the sense that I believe Israel has a right to exist peacefully and securely. However, I am not a Zionist in the modern sense. I reject the idea that secular political efforts can force God’s hand in bringing about His Kingdom or a messianic figure. The true Messiah has already come, securing redemption for all who believe in Him. His second coming will not depend on human political maneuvering.

Unfortunately, many today conflate opposition to Talmudic Zionism with antisemitism, branding anyone who critiques modern Zionism as a “Jew-hater.” This false equivalence fuels division and has geopolitical implications far beyond U.S. politics. Historically, hostility toward Jews—particularly those following Talmudic Zionism—contributed to the Holocaust and continues today with the animosity of radical Islamic groups toward Jews, regardless of their religious convictions.

So What Then?

How should a Christ-follower approach this issue?

1. Avoid Assumptions
   • Just as Baptists would not want to be lumped together with Roman Catholics or hyper-charismatic Pentecostals, Torah-following Jews should not be conflated with Talmudic-Zionist Jews. Understanding these distinctions prevents us from misrepresenting entire groups.
2. Stay Biblically Grounded
   • Do not twist or contort Scripture to fit a Zionist or political agenda. A biblically literate Christian cannot reconcile the doctrines of Talmudic Judaism with the true Gospel. Jesus Himself warned of those who would distort God’s truth, and Revelation speaks of the “synagogue of Satan”—a term that could rightly apply to many teachings found in the Talmud.
3. Recognize Parallels Between the Talmud and the Quran
   • Many are unaware that the Talmud contains passages strikingly similar to Islamic teachings. For example:
     • The Quran (Surah 191) commands the killing of infidels, just as the Talmud (Abodah Zara 26b) states, “Even the best of the Gentiles should be killed.”
     • The Islamic doctrine of Taqiyya (Quran 16:106, 40:28) allows deception for religious purposes, much like the Talmud (Schabouth Hag. 6d), which permits Jews to swear falsely under certain conditions.
   • Historical evidence suggests that Muhammad borrowed heavily from the Babylonian Talmud when composing the Quran, leading to similar anti-biblical and anti-Christ teachings.
4. Reject False Labels
   • Opposing government funding for Israel or distrusting Talmudic teachings does not automatically make one antisemitic (even by the modern, distorted definition of the term). Instead, Christians should base their positions on biblical truth rather than political rhetoric.

Above all, hatred of any people group is sinful. If you harbor animosity toward someone because of their ethnicity, religion, nationality, or socioeconomic status, the issue lies within your own heart. Every human being is made in the image of God. Rather than being consumed by political debates, let us pray for the salvation of those who do not yet know Christ—whether they follow the Torah, the Talmud, or the Quran. And let us resist the temptation to be drawn into emotionally charged, agenda-driven conflicts.

Ultimately, Christ reigns. He has already accomplished what is necessary to reconcile sinful men to a holy God. His return will bring perfect justice, independent of human efforts or political ideologies. Let us rest in that truth.