"The Evangelical Left is eager to dissuade Pentecostals, Charismatics and Evangelicals from their traditional support for Israel." -- Mark Tooley, IRD President
Contact: Mikhail Bell, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, mbell@TheIRD.org
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Often identified as strong supporters of Israel, Pentecostal Christians are now being targeted by anti-Israel activists from the Evangelical Left.
Meeting March 1-4 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the Society for Pentecostal Studies is jointly gathering with Empowered 21, a group of Pentecostal ministry leaders. Themed on "peacemaking and social justice/righteousness," this year's gathering will feature presentations by academics with anti-Israel views, as well as a screening of "Little Town of Bethlehem," a film with a subtle anti-Israel message aimed at usually pro-Israel evangelicals.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
"The Evangelical Left is eager to dissuade Pentecostals, Charismatics and Evangelicals from their traditional support for Israel.
"Although some Pentecostals rely on their end-times teachings to buttress support for Israel, many (including the vast majority of American Evangelicals) support Israel because it is a democratic ally surrounded by hostile dictatorships.
"The inclusion of several speakers to conduct workshops around themes of liberation theology, which emphasizes Jesus Christ as a political revolutionary rather than an atoning savior, is distressing.
"Almost certainly the vast majority of Pentecostals reject these leftist and anti-Israel themes. But just as in the old-line Protestant denominations decades ago, often church academics pursue political fashion at the expense of faithfulness to their own church."
The Institute on Religion & Democracy works to reaffirm the church's biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.
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