Unraveling the Strands of Christian Nationalism - Part 11
Opening Prayer
In the silence before time began, in the quiet of the womb, in the stillness of early morning, is your beauty. At the heart of all creation, at the birth of every creature, at the center of each moment, is your splendor. Rekindle in us the sparks of your beauty that we may be part of the splendor of this moment. Rekindle in us the sparks of your beauty, that we may be part of the blazing splendor that burns from the heart of this moment.
- John Philip Newell, Sounds of the Eternal, A Celtic Psalter, p. 38.
Interpretation of Scripture Regarding the End Times and Christian Nationalism – Part Three
Dispensational Premillennialism (cont’d)
A timeline summary for Dispensational Premillennialism: Church Age (Acts 2:1-Rev. 19) + Secret Return of Christ/Rapture + Seven Year Tribulation + Armageddon + Visible Return of Christ/Sheep Goats Judgment + 1000 years/Millennium (Rev. 20) + Satan’s “Little Season” + Resurrection of the Unjust (unbelieving dead)/”White Throne Judgment” + New Heavens and New Earth.
Integral to Dispensational Premillennialism is the theological necessity of Israel’s prominence. Dispensational Premillennialism views the modern state of Israel, established in 1948, as fulfilling biblical prophecy and marking the beginning of the “end times.” This outlook also specifically argues that Christ will return only after a period of severe tribulation, culminating in an Armageddon-like final battle centered in Israel. Thus, Israel’s geopolitical success and security are seen as necessary preconditions for Christ’s return. Israel must rise to a prominent and powerful place among the nations as part of God’s divine plan prior to the second coming of Christ. Under Dispensational Premillennialism, all good Christians support the state of Israel because that is what will bring Christ back.
Conflating the biblical Israel, a historical religious community with whom God makes specific covenants, with the modern state of Israel is a theological error. Modern Israel emerged from 20 th century contextual realities, particularly the aftermath of the Holocaust. Just because they share a name does not mean they have the same biblical significance. Biblically speaking, Israel was intended as a “light to the nations,” modeling justice and righteousness (Isaiah 49:6). Today, the Church shares this commission, meant to demonstrate compassion, justice, and peace (Matthew 5:14-16).
As Jemar Tisby notes, “When Dispensational Premillennialism theology directly informs foreign policy without critical reflection or moral accountability, it creates not only geopolitical dangers but theological distortions.”
The Antichrist
According to Dispensational Premillennialism, a world leader known as the Antichrist (1 John 2:18), “the man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), and the beast (Revelation 13:1-8) is expected to arise and form a single world government during the Seven Year Tribulation.
The term Antichrist (including one plural form) is found four times in the New Testament, solely in the First and Second Epistles of John.
Historically, there has always been a fascination with the concept of Antichrist. Throughout history, the term Antichrist is often used as an archetype, a symbol which speaks universally to all humans. In the case of the Antichrist, it is a way of talking about Evil – a person or persons who preach the opposite message of that of Christ. The following are some possible meanings of the Antichrist: That as Jesus represented the Christ, so others can represent the opposite at different times in history. As Jesus taught love and forgiveness, others teach hate and revenge. As Jesus represented the good and the sacred, others stand for the bad and for evil. As Jesus represented joy and peace, others can bring darkness, strife, and war. As Jesus represented justice and compassion, others can represent injustice and chaos, greed and envy.
It is important to use the term Antichrist carefully and responsibly.
For this week: For reflection: How should Christians today approach U.S. foreign policy toward Israel, especially when military action is justified through theological beliefs about the end times?
An invitation to our virtual participants: Discussion and comments are very much encouraged and welcomed. Online discussions can be held in the comments section in the upcoming post on Social Media for this week’s Deacon’s Reflection which is part of adult formation at St. Francis Episcopal Church.
Closing Prayer – Prayer of Blessing
That in the elements of earth, sea, and sky we may see your beauty; that in wild winds, birdsong, and silence we may hear your beauty; that in the body of another, and the intermingling of relationship we may touch your beauty; that in the moisture of the earth and its flowering and fruiting, we may smell your beauty; that in the flowing waters of springs and streams we may taste your beauty; these things we look for this day, O God, these things we look for.
May the light of God illumine the heart of my soul.
May the flame of Christ kindle me to love.
May the fire of the Spirit free me to live this day, tonight, and forever. Amen.
- John Philip Newell, Sounds of the Eternal, A Celtic Psalter, p. 41.
“Unraveling the Strands of Christian Nationalism,” Deacon Joe Dzugan, St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2025.
