What are we to make of CUFI (original) (raw)

On the emailed version of MLJ, Julian Y asked:

I have recently become aware of CUFI (Christians United for Israel) and have been astounded by the polarization of the response. I would like to better understand how members of MLJ feel about these supporters of Israel and why they feel that way. I am aware of supporters and opponents to Christian Zionists from both ends of the religious and political spectrum and would like to see it discussed on this forum.

Jerry B responded:

CUFI was founded and is headed by the Rev. James Hagee, a known bigot who realized that getting the Jews to Israel are essential for setting up the conditions for Armeggedon, the Tribulations, and the so-called "second coming." In other words, he views Jews and Zionism as instruments in his bigoted views of Salvation, which will be available only to those who take the Christ, Jesus as their path to Salvation. In other words, he views the Jews as cannon fodder for a war, the "ultimate war" in his world.

(He also is a bigot, believing his view of Salvation is the only valid one, and condemns Catholics, Muslims, though he is judiciously silent about his true feelings about Jewish salvation. I won't get into that now, though.)

No thanks, I don't think this Jew and Zionist needs to hitch a ride with him.

Michael L responded:

My perspective: These people support Israel only insofar as it has a part to play in their eschatology. Since that involves a global war that starts in Israel and the violent death of every Jew who will not convert to Christianity, I am less than enthusiastic about their organization.

One might feel that their bizarre and bigoted religious beliefs don't matter so long as they support Israel, but they do. Their beliefs lead their "support" to be directed at specific parties and specific political goals which I believe are in fact antithetical to increasing Israel's security.

In short: with friends like these, who needs enemas?

So what have the readers on the LJ side heard?