NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — In a small town in Iowa, evangelical Christians are rallying support for Israel following the recent attack by Hamas. The attack, which resulted in the death of hundreds of civilians, has prompted pastors and church leaders to emphasize the importance of standing behind Israel both biblically and politically.
Steve Rowland, a pastor at the Rising Sun Church of Christ in Altoona, Iowa, addressed a congregation of about 500 people, urging them to acknowledge the evil in the region and to support Israel’s efforts to combat it. Rowland emphasized the biblical concept of Israel as God’s chosen people and their rightful homeland.
Support for Israel has now become a top priority for evangelical Christians in Iowa, particularly those who will participate in the upcoming Republican presidential caucuses. In the past, the issue of curbing abortion has been a key focus for Christian conservatives, but the recent attack by Hamas has shifted their attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Iowa’s evangelical pastors and churchgoers are paying closer attention to the statements made by Republican candidates regarding the conflict. Many have criticized President Joe Biden for not being tough enough on Hamas and Iran, and they are seeking a leader who possesses moral clarity in distinguishing between good and evil.
Former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, who is touring Iowa, spoke about the conflict in stark terms, emphasizing the war between good and evil and the need for a leader who can take a strong stance.
Former President Donald Trump continues to dominate the polls in Iowa and has strong support from Christian conservatives. While some critics point out his past support for abortion rights and his initial criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the Hamas attack, others commend his record on Israel, including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
Daniel Hummel, author of “Covenant Brothers: Evangelicals, Jews, and U.S.-Israeli Relations,” suggests that Republican support for Israel has become a proxy issue for other conservative priorities such as immigration. Some Republicans, including Trump, have exploited fears of terrorists entering the U.S. through the southern border.
The importance of U.S. relations with Israel is often framed within Christian tradition. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, who has campaigned heavily in Iowa, frequently references the Bible to highlight the significance of Israel. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is also vying for support in Iowa, has been engaged in a debate with Haley over who is tougher on refugee issues.
Some evangelical pastors have questioned Trump’s understanding of the biblical foundation for supporting Israel, while others have expressed concerns about political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, who has criticized U.S. aid to Israel.
The evangelical voters in Iowa are not a homogeneous group. There is disagreement on whether the U.S. should accept refugees from Gaza, with Trump and DeSantis arguing against it, while Haley believes that some Palestinians should be given the opportunity to escape from terrorist rule.
Overall, for many evangelicals in Iowa, supporting Israel is driven by biblical prophecy about the return of the Messiah. The fear of the end of the world plays a significant role in their support for Israel.
In conclusion, the recent attack by Hamas has brought the issue of Israel to the forefront of evangelical Christian voters in Iowa. Republican candidates are under pressure to align themselves with the biblical and political support for Israel, as this issue has become intertwined with conservative priorities such as immigration. The complexity and diversity of opinions among evangelical voters in Iowa make it a critical topic to address for presidential candidates seeking their support.
