Mike takes a look at a book which traces the history of an idea—an idea concerning the course of human history in the light of biblical prophecy about the end times.

As the recent war in Lebanon was unfolding, BBC news noted the arrival of 3400 Christians in Washington for the specific purpose of lobbying the US government to support the state of Israel. The effort was planned long before the conflict between Israel and Lebanon erupted and formed part of the first annual summit of Christians United for Israel. Yet Pastor John Hagee, the main organizer of the summit, a kind of ‘endtimes prophecy specialist’, told BBC news that lobbyists would be urging the US government "not to restrain Israel in any way in the pursuit of Hamas and Hezbollah". BBC news cited research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, which found in 2005 that evangelical Christians were more likely to support Israel than any other religious group in America besides Jews. With evangelicals representing a quarter of America’s population, the Pew survey found that two in three believe that the establishment of the state of Israel is a fulfilment of Biblical prophecy.

What is at the core of this most potent political friendship? How did American evangelicals become Israel’s best friend?

These and other questions are explored in Timothy Weber’s book, On the Road to Armageddon. The title of the book promises drama—and drama it delivers. The depth of Weber’s historical research, his patient and detailed explanation of complex ideas and relationships and his mastery of the topic lend this book stunning force. It is made even more significant by its relevance to the present international situation touching upon the vital theme of the relationship between American Christians and foreign policy.

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Files: thompson-armageddon.pdf