The Politics of Apocalypse: The History and Influence of Christian Zionism

Endorsements: "A fair minded and objective survey of the deep historical roots of Christian Zionism, mainly in Britain and the United States. It helps one to understand how prodigiously complex the struggle between Israel and the Palestinians has become." Reverend Don Cupitt, author of Taking Leave of God, of Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

Pervading culture and politics alike, Christian Zionism is the fastest growing religious movement in Christianity today, with current believers thought to exceed five million in the US alone. Proposing a literal reading of the bible, it states that a Jewish return to the Holy Land is a requirement for the Second Coming and inevitable Armageddon. Promoting common interests between Israel and the Christian World, and possessing many well-moneyed advocates, Christian Zionism has a far-reaching influence in today's world. In this illuminating book, professor and rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok traces the transition of Christian Zionism from Puritan times to the present, examining the ever increasing role of Armageddon in its belief structure and studying its deep-rooted sway on both the Middle East peace process and the American political system. Covering Hal Lindsey's books and his invitations to White House Seminars, Cohn-Sherbok inspects the growth of the movement and its quintessential role as a political lobbying force. Invaluable to anyone who seeks a greater understanding of the interplay between religion, politics and the end of the world, this is an insightful book into an absorbing aspect of American society.