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What Gundry suggests is anathema to strict Dispensationalists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.angelfire.com/ms/seanie/disp/disp2.html |title=Dispensationalism and its errors Part 2 |accessdate=2007-08-23 |work=Sean's Faith Website}}</ref> whose pre-tribulationalism demands a complete separation of the Church from Israel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/06/pretribpremillleft_behind.php |title=Pre-Trib?...Pre-Mill?....Left Behind |accessdate=2007-08-23 |date=[[2006]]-[[06-23]] |work=Reformation Theology}} Quoting from Samuel E. Waldron, ''The End Times Made Simple''.</ref> and a primary commitment of the Almighty to Israel within the crucible of the 70th Week of Daniel—although Dispensationalists recognize a redemptive witness to the Gentiles through the evangelistic witness of the 144,000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solagroup.org/articles/faqs/faq_0023.html |title=Who are the 144,000? |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Cooper |first=Charles |work=Sola Scriptura}}</ref> Jewish evangelists. Those "saints"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raptureready.com/rr-tribulation-saint.html |title=Tribulation Saint Wannabes |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Strandberg |first=Todd |work=Rapture Ready}}</ref> evangelized through this preaching of the "gospel of the kingdom"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raptureready.com/featured/ice/AnInterpretationofMatthew24_25_12.html |title=An Interpretation of Matthew 24—25, Part XII |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Ice |first=Thomas |work=Rapture Ready}}</ref> and who perish under the onslaught of the beast, constitute the tribulation saints<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plymouthbrethren.com/cactrib.htm |title=Tribulation Saints (extract) |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Coates |first=C. A |work=PlymouthBrethren.com}}</ref> who "come out of great tribulation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grantjeffrey.com/article/why_some_reject.htm |title=Why Do Some Teach that the Church will Endure the Tribulation? |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Jeffrey |first=Grant R |work=Prophecy On Line |publisher=Grant R. Jeffrey Ministries}}</ref>
What Gundry suggests is [[anathema]] to strict Dispensationalists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.angelfire.com/ms/seanie/disp/disp2.html |title=Dispensationalism and its errors Part 2 |accessdate=2007-08-23 |work=Sean's Faith Website}}</ref> whose pre-tribulationalism demands a complete separation of the Church from Israel<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/06/pretribpremillleft_behind.php |title=Pre-Trib?...Pre-Mill?....Left Behind |accessdate=2007-08-23 |date=[[2006]]-[[06-23]] |work=Reformation Theology}} Quoting from Samuel E. Waldron, ''The End Times Made Simple''.</ref> and a primary commitment of the Almighty to Israel within the crucible of the 70th Week of Daniel—although Dispensationalists recognize a redemptive witness to the Gentiles through the evangelistic witness of the 144,000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solagroup.org/articles/faqs/faq_0023.html |title=Who are the 144,000? |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Cooper |first=Charles |work=Sola Scriptura}}</ref> Jewish evangelists. Those "saints"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raptureready.com/rr-tribulation-saint.html |title=Tribulation Saint Wannabes |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Strandberg |first=Todd |work=Rapture Ready}}</ref> evangelized through this preaching of the "gospel of the kingdom"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raptureready.com/featured/ice/AnInterpretationofMatthew24_25_12.html |title=An Interpretation of Matthew 24—25, Part XII |accessdate=2007-08-23 |last=Ice |first=Thomas |work=Rapture Ready}}</ref> and who perish under the onslaught of the beast, constitute the tribulation saints<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plymouthbrethren.com/cactrib.htm |title=Tribulation Saints (extract) |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Coates |first=C. A |work=PlymouthBrethren.com}}</ref> who "come out of great tribulation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grantjeffrey.com/article/why_some_reject.htm |title=Why Do Some Teach that the Church will Endure the Tribulation? |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Jeffrey |first=Grant R |work=Prophecy On Line |publisher=Grant R. Jeffrey Ministries}}</ref>
==Religious-political ramifications of Israel and the Church==
==Religious-political ramifications of Israel and the Church==
Obvious collaboration between the "witnesses" is "eschatologically suggested" by those who espouse the two to be Israel and the Church—what form of cooperative witness seems crucial; especially with regards to the religious-political ramifications thereof. Naturally, evangelical support for the nation of Israel is viewed by a growing number of Israeli Jews, as well as diasporic Jews (especially Zionists), as beneficial to the survival of Israel and highly influential upon American foreign policy,<ref>{{cite news |first=David D |last=Kirkpatrick |title=For Evangelicals, Supporting Israel Is ‘God's Foreign Policy’ |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/washington/14israel.html?ex=1321160400&en=60ed9b6dede3816e&ei=5090 |work=The New York Times |date=[[2006]]-[[11-14]] |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> whether the imagery of the Two Witnesses is reflected in this Evangelical-Jewish Zionist alliance or not. Furthermore, if the book of Revelation is to be viewed as a cosmic courtroom wherein the "Great City" is on trial, and the "Judge of all the earth" is pending a conviction by calling forth witnesses to "testify" against Babylon the Great (i.e., "the Holy City" vs. the "Great City" or New Jerusalem vs. Babylon the Great)<ref>
Obvious collaboration between the "witnesses" is "eschatologically suggested" by those who espouse the two to be Israel and the Church—what form of cooperative witness seems crucial; especially with regards to the religious-political ramifications thereof. Naturally, evangelical support for the nation of Israel is viewed by a growing number of Israeli Jews, as well as diasporic Jews (especially Zionists), as beneficial to the survival of Israel and highly influential upon American foreign policy,<ref>{{cite news |first=David D |last=Kirkpatrick |title=For Evangelicals, Supporting Israel Is ‘God's Foreign Policy’ |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/washington/14israel.html?ex=1321160400&en=60ed9b6dede3816e&ei=5090 |work=The New York Times |date=[[2006]]-[[11-14]] |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> whether the imagery of the Two Witnesses is reflected in this Evangelical-Jewish Zionist alliance or not. Furthermore, if the book of Revelation is to be viewed as a cosmic courtroom wherein the "Great City" is on trial, and the "Judge of all the earth" is pending a conviction by calling forth witnesses to "testify" against Babylon the Great (i.e., "the Holy City" vs. the "Great City" or New Jerusalem vs. Babylon the Great)<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000026.htm#26c |title=Chapter VIII: Tribulation & Judgment |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Shearer |first=S.R |work=The New Antipas Papers |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> - then "Biblical collaboration" at the mouth of "two witnesses"<ref>Deuteronomy 19:15.</ref> prior to a conviction and ultimate sentence would be mandatory.
{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000026.htm#26c |title=Chapter VIII: Tribulation & Judgment |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Shearer |first=S.R |work=The New Antipas Papers |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> - then "Biblical collaboration" at the mouth of "two witnesses"<ref>Deuteronomy 19:15.</ref> prior to a conviction and ultimate sentence would be mandatory.
David Brog, former chief counsel and later chief of staff to Senator Arlen Specter, recently highlighted the current support for Israel, among evangelical Christians in his book ''Stand with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State''.<ref>ISBN 978-1591859062.</ref> Brog's central thesis, both as a Jewish American and as the current Executive Director of the newly formed Christians United for Israel, is unabashedly pro-Israel,<ref>{{cite news |first=Margot |last=Patterson |title=Evangelicals rally for Israel, warn of Iran threat |url=http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006c/072806/072806h.php |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=[[2006]]-[[07-28]] |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> and affirms that evangelical support for Israel should be encouraged by American Jews, as well as provide a forum for evangelical Christians to express their views on Capitol Hill. He is at the helm in galvanizing support for this newly founded Evangelical-Jewish lobbying organization<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060814/new_christian_zionism |title=Birth Pangs of a New Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Blumenthal |first=Max |date=[[2006]]-[[08-08]] |work=TheNation.com}}</ref> on behalf of Israel. Brog, who is Jewish-not a Christian, has an executive board for Christians United for Israel consisting of prominent evangelicals: Michael Little,<ref name="cufi">{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_executive_board |title=Executive Board |accessdate=2007-08-25 |year=2007 |publisher=Christians United for Israel}}</ref> [[John Hagee]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3323758,00.html |title=A blessing or a curse? American evangelists explained |accessdate=2007-08-25 |last=Benhorin |first=Yitzhak |date=[[2006]]-[[11-05]] |work=Ynetnews.com}}</ref> Gary Bauer,<ref name="cufi"/> and George Morrison<ref name="cufi"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fbci.org/aboutus/george.html |title=Meet Pastor George |accessdate=2007-08-25 |publisher=Faith Bible Chapel}}</ref> — all evangelicals, and all actively engaged in pro-Israel activities — activities which include "A Night to Honor Israel"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jhm.org/honorisrael.asp |title=A Night To Honor Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |work=John Hagee Ministries}}</ref> held throughout North America, as well as recent involvement<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5193092.stm |title=Evangelical Christians plead for Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Greene |first=Richard Allen |date=[[2006]]-[[07-19]] |work=BBC News}}</ref> in the annual AIPAC gathering in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:tyCLPx6SrFUJ:www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=w050523&s=baer052605+AIPAC+COURTS+EVANGELICALS&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5 |title=Security Measures |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Baer |first=Kenneth |date=[[2005]]-[[05-26]] |work=TNR Online |publisher=The New Republic}}</ref> ([[Jerry Falwell]] was also a member of the executive board of Christians United for Israel until his death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_press_releases#Falwell |title=Dr. Jerry Falwell- A Pioneer of Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Hagee |first=John |date=[[2007]]-[[05-16]] |work=Christians United for Israel}}</ref>) Such support for Israel is vehemently opposed by many on the left and right.
David Brog, former chief counsel and later chief of staff to Senator Arlen Specter, recently highlighted the current support for Israel, among evangelical Christians in his book ''Stand with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State''.<ref>ISBN 978-1591859062.</ref> Brog's central thesis, both as a Jewish American and as the current Executive Director of the newly formed Christians United for Israel, is unabashedly pro-Israel,<ref>{{cite news |first=Margot |last=Patterson |title=Evangelicals rally for Israel, warn of Iran threat |url=http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006c/072806/072806h.php |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=[[2006]]-[[07-28]] |accessdate=2007-08-24}}</ref> and affirms that evangelical support for Israel should be encouraged by American Jews, as well as provide a forum for evangelical Christians to express their views on Capitol Hill. He is at the helm in galvanizing support for this newly founded Evangelical-Jewish lobbying organization<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060814/new_christian_zionism |title=Birth Pangs of a New Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-24 |last=Blumenthal |first=Max |date=[[2006]]-[[08-08]] |work=TheNation.com}}</ref> on behalf of Israel. Brog, who is Jewish-not a Christian, has an executive board for Christians United for Israel consisting of prominent evangelicals: Michael Little,<ref name="cufi">{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_executive_board |title=Executive Board |accessdate=2007-08-25 |year=2007 |publisher=Christians United for Israel}}</ref> [[John Hagee]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3323758,00.html |title=A blessing or a curse? American evangelists explained |accessdate=2007-08-25 |last=Benhorin |first=Yitzhak |date=[[2006]]-[[11-05]] |work=Ynetnews.com}}</ref> Gary Bauer,<ref name="cufi"/> and George Morrison<ref name="cufi"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fbci.org/aboutus/george.html |title=Meet Pastor George |accessdate=2007-08-25 |publisher=Faith Bible Chapel}}</ref> — all evangelicals, and all actively engaged in pro-Israel activities — activities which include "A Night to Honor Israel"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jhm.org/honorisrael.asp |title=A Night To Honor Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |work=John Hagee Ministries}}</ref> held throughout North America, as well as recent involvement<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5193092.stm |title=Evangelical Christians plead for Israel |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Greene |first=Richard Allen |date=[[2006]]-[[07-19]] |work=BBC News}}</ref> in the annual AIPAC gathering in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:tyCLPx6SrFUJ:www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=w050523&s=baer052605+AIPAC+COURTS+EVANGELICALS&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5 |title=Security Measures |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Baer |first=Kenneth |date=[[2005]]-[[05-26]] |work=TNR Online |publisher=The New Republic}}</ref> ([[Jerry Falwell]] was also a member of the executive board of Christians United for Israel until his death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cufi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_press_releases#Falwell |title=Dr. Jerry Falwell- A Pioneer of Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-08-26 |last=Hagee |first=John |date=[[2007]]-[[05-16]] |work=Christians United for Israel}}</ref>) Such support for Israel is vehemently opposed by many on the left and right.
Christian Zionism – a phenomenon commenced in Great Britain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4959.htm |title=Christians and Zion: British stirrings |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[10-09]] |work=The Daily Star |publisher=Information Clearing House}}</ref> in support of the Jewish State and championed by many American evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mb-soft.com/believe/text/czionism.htm |title=Christian Zionism: Advanced Information |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Rausch |first=D A |year=1997 |month=May |work=Elwell Evangelical Dictionary |publisher=BELIEVE Religious Information Source}}</ref> throughout the past century, sees in Israel's rebirth the fulfillment of Bible prophecy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/06bprint/fp013p.html |title=Mr. Hagee Draws Evangelicals By Arguing Jewish State Fulfills Biblical Prophecy |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=[[2006]]-[[07-27]] |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=JewsOnFirst.org}}</ref> and the countdown to the Second Coming of Christ.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/07/10/MN17001.DTL |title=U.S. Christians find cause to aid Israel: Evangelicals financing immigrants, settlements |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Haas |first=Danielle |date=[[2002]]-[[07-10]] |work=San Francisco Chronicle |pages=A-1}}</ref> The proliferation of evangelical Christian organizations or Jewish organizations reaching out to one another with the common goal of supporting the survival of the nation of Israel in the U.S. and elsewhere includes: Bridges for Peace;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/h2n.php?fn=whoarewe.html |title=A Concise Summary of Who We Are |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2006 |publisher=Bridges for Peace}}</ref> the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=endorsements_ministries |title=Churches and Ministries that Support Israel |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |publisher=International Fellowship of Christians and Jews}}</ref> the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icej.org/articles/about_us |title=About Us: Your Embassy in Jerusalem |accessdate=2007-09-09 |publisher=International Christian Embassy Jerusalem}}</ref> Operation Exodus;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.operation-exodus.org/Operation-Exodus/about_ebenezer |title=About Ebenezer |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |work=Operation Exodus |publisher=Ebenezer Emergency Fund International}}</ref> Israel Awareness Day<ref>
Christian Zionism – a phenomenon commenced in Great Britain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4959.htm |title=Christians and Zion: British stirrings |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[10-09]] |work=The Daily Star |publisher=Information Clearing House}}</ref> in support of the Jewish State and championed by many American evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mb-soft.com/believe/text/czionism.htm |title=Christian Zionism: Advanced Information |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Rausch |first=D A |year=1997 |month=May |work=Elwell Evangelical Dictionary |publisher=BELIEVE Religious Information Source}}</ref> throughout the past century, sees in Israel's rebirth the fulfillment of Bible prophecy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/06bprint/fp013p.html |title=Mr. Hagee Draws Evangelicals By Arguing Jewish State Fulfills Biblical Prophecy |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=[[2006]]-[[07-27]] |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=JewsOnFirst.org}}</ref> and the countdown to the Second Coming of Christ.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/07/10/MN17001.DTL |title=U.S. Christians find cause to aid Israel: Evangelicals financing immigrants, settlements |accessdate=2007-09-08 |last=Haas |first=Danielle |date=[[2002]]-[[07-10]] |work=San Francisco Chronicle |pages=A-1}}</ref> The proliferation of evangelical Christian organizations or Jewish organizations reaching out to one another with the common goal of supporting the survival of the nation of Israel in the U.S. and elsewhere includes: Bridges for Peace;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/h2n.php?fn=whoarewe.html |title=A Concise Summary of Who We Are |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2006 |publisher=Bridges for Peace}}</ref> the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=endorsements_ministries |title=Churches and Ministries that Support Israel |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |publisher=International Fellowship of Christians and Jews}}</ref> the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icej.org/articles/about_us |title=About Us: Your Embassy in Jerusalem |accessdate=2007-09-09 |publisher=International Christian Embassy Jerusalem}}</ref> Operation Exodus;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.operation-exodus.org/Operation-Exodus/about_ebenezer |title=About Ebenezer |accessdate=2007-09-09 |year=2007 |work=Operation Exodus |publisher=Ebenezer Emergency Fund International}}</ref> Israel Awareness Day<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.easy-access.com/Ariel/Autumn96/Aut96-Page4.html |title=Faith Bible Chapel Adopts Ariel |accessdate=2007-12-16 |year=1996 |month=Autumn |work=Shalom Ariel |publisher=Ariel Development Fund |pages=4–5}}</ref> (and their writings<ref name="standing">{{cite book |last=Brog |first=David |title=Standing with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State |year=2006 |publisher=Frontline |isbn=9781591859062}}</ref> attest as well). Likewise, but with less verbosity are those mainline Christian organizations<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.loveandjustice.org/AlternateVoice/index.htm |title=Alternative Voice to Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |publisher=First Congregational Church}}</ref> and some evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2717 |title=The Evangelical-Jewish Alliance |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[06-28]] |work=The Christian Century |pages=20–24}}</ref> (along with their writings)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianzionism.org/articlesN.asp |title=Challenging Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |year=2007}}</ref> who oppose the current alliance between Jews and evangelicals in support of Israel and her policies.
{{cite web |url=http://www.easy-access.com/Ariel/Autumn96/Aut96-Page4.html |title=Faith Bible Chapel Adopts Ariel |accessdate=2007-12-16 |year=1996 |month=Autumn |work=Shalom Ariel |publisher=Ariel Development Fund |pages=4–5}}</ref> (and their writings<ref name="standing">{{cite book |last=Brog |first=David |title=Standing with Israel: Why Christians Support the Jewish State |year=2006 |publisher=Frontline |isbn=9781591859062}}</ref> attest as well). Likewise, but with less verbosity are those mainline Christian organizations<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.loveandjustice.org/AlternateVoice/index.htm |title=Alternative Voice to Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |publisher=First Congregational Church}}</ref> and some evangelical leaders<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2717 |title=The Evangelical-Jewish Alliance |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Wagner |first=Donald |date=[[2003]]-[[06-28]] |work=The Christian Century |pages=20–24}}</ref> (along with their writings)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianzionism.org/articlesN.asp |title=Challenging Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |year=2007}}</ref> who oppose the current alliance between Jews and evangelicals in support of Israel and her policies.
Most evangelical churches and organizations in the USA in support of Israel are Premillenarian<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:jCEzcYlEhh4J:psreview.org/content/view/45/99/+Premillenarian+support+for+Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=12|title=Premillenarian}}</ref> in their ''Weltanschauung'' – with the majority being pretribulational;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:JPO9QHB5P2EJ:www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1746536/posts?page=14+Pre-Trib+and+Pro-Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=4|title=pretribulational;}}</ref> hence, criticism on the part of many Jews that the main purpose of such support for Israel among evangelicals is self-interest and spurious at best,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/christian_zionists.php |title=Christian Zionists: Fundamentalist Christians' support of Israel could blunt Jewish opposition to religious right agenda |accessdate=2007-12-16 |work=Jews On First!}}</ref> and conversionary<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Zionism/christianzionism.html |title=Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Krusch |first=David |year=2007 |work=Jewish Virtual Library |publisher=American-Israeli Cooperative Exchange}}</ref> at worst. Furthermore, some evangelicals propose that the current Evangelical-Jewish alliance in support of Israel will not last and is contrary to Bible prophecy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000140.htm |title=The Religious Right and Israel; A Relationship That Cannot Hold, Part III |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Shearer |first=S.R. |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref>
Most evangelical churches and organizations in the USA in support of Israel are Premillenarian<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:jCEzcYlEhh4J:psreview.org/content/view/45/99/+Premillenarian+support+for+Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=12|title=Premillenarian}}</ref> in their ''Weltanschauung'' – with the majority being pretribulational;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:JPO9QHB5P2EJ:www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1746536/posts?page=14+Pre-Trib+and+Pro-Israel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=4|title=pretribulational;}}</ref> hence, criticism on the part of many Jews that the main purpose of such support for Israel among evangelicals is self-interest and spurious at best,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/christian_zionists.php |title=Christian Zionists: Fundamentalist Christians' support of Israel could blunt Jewish opposition to religious right agenda |accessdate=2007-12-16 |work=Jews On First!}}</ref> and conversionary<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Zionism/christianzionism.html |title=Christian Zionism |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Krusch |first=David |year=2007 |work=Jewish Virtual Library |publisher=American-Israeli Cooperative Exchange}}</ref> at worst. Furthermore, some evangelicals propose that the current Evangelical-Jewish alliance in support of Israel will not last and is contrary to Bible prophecy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000140.htm |title=The Religious Right and Israel; A Relationship That Cannot Hold, Part III |accessdate=2007-12-16 |last=Shearer |first=S.R. |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref>
In addition to these suspicions from both Jews and evangelical Christians, there is religious-political angst expressed amongst co-religionists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000243.htm |title=The Neo-Conservatives |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Shearer |first=S. R |date=[[2006]]-[[12-12]] |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> (Jewish and Christian) who view this Jewish-Christian solidarity on behalf of Israel as a mixture of Church and State and ''ipso facto'' contrary to the American experiment;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1174 |title=Renewing the American Experiment: A Post Election Reflection |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Korten |first=David |date=2004-11-07 |work=Yes! Online}}</ref> especially, as it pertains to [[neoconservatives|neocons]] both within<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.counterpunch.org/green02282004.html |title=Serving Two Flags: Neo-Cons, Israel and the Bush Administration |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Green |first=Stephen |date=2004-02-28 |work=Counterpunch}}</ref> and without<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alternet.org/story/15481/ |title=All in the Neocon Family |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Lobe |first=Jim |date=2003-03-27 |work=AlterNet |publisher=Independent Media Institute}}</ref> the immediate US political administration, who some say are egging the alliance forward to suffice their own socio-political agenda and have little or no spiritual interest in the dynamic. They point out that ''theocons'' (in particular American Catholics),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=518 |title=RJN: Neocons v. Theocons: The Sequel |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Neuhaus |first=Richard John |date=2006-11-03 |work=First Things: On the Square}}</ref> who are allied with neocons (notwithstanding Jewish suspicions from time to time among the neocons)<ref>{{cite journal |last=Moore |first=Scott H. |year=1998 |month=Winter |title=The End of Convenient Stereotypes: How the ''First Things'' and Baxter Controversies Inaugurate Extraordinary Politics |journal=Pro Ecclesia |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=17–47 |url=http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/essays/Stereotypes.html |accessdate= 2007-12-18}}</ref> are drawing American evangelicals, who affirm they are under "Biblical mandate" to "bless Israel",<ref name="standing"/> into a religio-politico maelstrom<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cliff Potts Releases Theocon Nation: The Unvarnished, Politically Incorrect Truth About the Roots, Threat and Response to the Religious Right Political Movement |date=[[2006]]-[[05-26]] |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb390704.htm |accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref> which, in the end, will politicize the American Church<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt12.htm |title=Theo-Neo-Paleo Cons: …I saw a woman mounted on a Scarlet-colored Beast (Rev. 17:3 – ASV/the Message: Part XII – The Prophetic Sequence |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Krieger |first=Doug |publisher=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> and compromise her "spiritual mission" and put America into a "crusader" mindset<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.damonlinker.com/ |title=Damon Linker |accessdate=2007-12-24 |last=Linker |first=Damon}}</ref> in defeating [[Islamism|radical Islamists]] and hedonist [[secularism]] in America, rather than fulfilling the ''Great Commission'' of Jesus in the saving of souls for the coming [[Premillennialism|premillenarian]] kingdom, not the Kingdom Now<ref>{{cite web| title=The Kingdom Now Movement| url=http://endtimepilgrim.org/70wks9.htm| author=Gavin Finley| publisher=Endtime Pilgrim.org}}</ref> Instead, Theocons are now about galvanizing Evangelicals and Catholics<ref>{{cite news |title=Evangelicals & Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium |url=http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html |work=First Things |pages=15–22 |date=May 1994 |accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref> in a great crusade against American hedonistic secularization and, interestingly enough, Israel is inadvertently caught up within that dynamic.
In addition to these suspicions from both Jews and evangelical Christians, there is religious-political angst expressed amongst co-religionists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.antipasministries.com/html/file0000243.htm |title=The Neo-Conservatives |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Shearer |first=S. R |date=[[2006]]-[[12-12]] |publisher=Antipas Ministries}}</ref> (Jewish and Christian) who view this Jewish-Christian solidarity on behalf of Israel as a mixture of Church and State and ''[[ipso facto]]'' contrary to the American experiment;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1174 |title=Renewing the American Experiment: A Post Election Reflection |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Korten |first=David |date=2004-11-07 |work=Yes! Online}}</ref> especially, as it pertains to [[neoconservatives|neocons]] both within<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.counterpunch.org/green02282004.html |title=Serving Two Flags: Neo-Cons, Israel and the Bush Administration |accessdate=2007-12-17 |last=Green |first=Stephen |date=2004-02-28 |work=Counterpunch}}</ref> and without<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alternet.org/story/15481/ |title=All in the Neocon Family |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Lobe |first=Jim |date=2003-03-27 |work=AlterNet |publisher=Independent Media Institute}}</ref> the immediate US political administration, who some say are egging the alliance forward to suffice their own socio-political agenda and have little or no spiritual interest in the dynamic. They point out that ''theocons'' (in particular American Catholics),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=518 |title=RJN: Neocons v. Theocons: The Sequel |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Neuhaus |first=Richard John |date=2006-11-03 |work=First Things: On the Square}}</ref> who are allied with neocons (notwithstanding Jewish suspicions from time to time among the neocons)<ref>{{cite journal |last=Moore |first=Scott H. |year=1998 |month=Winter |title=The End of Convenient Stereotypes: How the ''First Things'' and Baxter Controversies Inaugurate Extraordinary Politics |journal=Pro Ecclesia |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=17–47 |url=http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/essays/Stereotypes.html |accessdate= 2007-12-18}}</ref> are drawing American evangelicals, who affirm they are under "Biblical mandate" to "bless Israel",<ref name="standing"/> into a religio-politico maelstrom<ref>{{cite press release |title=Cliff Potts Releases Theocon Nation: The Unvarnished, Politically Incorrect Truth About the Roots, Threat and Response to the Religious Right Political Movement |date=[[2006]]-[[05-26]] |url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb390704.htm |accessdate=2007-12-18}}</ref> which, in the end, will politicize the American Church<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt12.htm |title=Theo-Neo-Paleo Cons: …I saw a woman mounted on a Scarlet-colored Beast (Rev. 17:3 – ASV/the Message: Part XII – The Prophetic Sequence |accessdate=2007-12-18 |last=Krieger |first=Doug |publisher=The Tribulation Network}}</ref> and compromise her "spiritual mission" and put America into a "crusader" mindset<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.damonlinker.com/ |title=Damon Linker |accessdate=2007-12-24 |last=Linker |first=Damon}}</ref> in defeating [[Islamism|radical Islamists]] and hedonist [[secularism]] in America, rather than fulfilling the ''Great Commission'' of Jesus in the saving of souls for the coming [[Premillennialism|premillenarian]] kingdom, not the Kingdom Now<ref>{{cite web| title=The Kingdom Now Movement| url=http://endtimepilgrim.org/70wks9.htm| author=Gavin Finley| publisher=Endtime Pilgrim.org}}</ref> Instead, Theocons are now about galvanizing Evangelicals and Catholics<ref>{{cite news |title=Evangelicals & Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium |url=http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9405/articles/mission.html |work=First Things |pages=15–22 |date=May 1994 |accessdate=2007-12-24}}</ref> in a great crusade against American hedonistic secularization and, interestingly enough, Israel is inadvertently caught up within that dynamic.
==Exegetical considerations==
==Exegetical considerations==
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
Paul D. Feinberg<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foutz.net/archives/people/paul_d_feinberg_phd_in_memorium_february_21_2004.shtml|title=Paul D. Feinberg)}}</ref> in ''Three Views on the Rapture - Pre-, Mid-,or Post Tribulation''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Three-Views-Rapture-Pre-Post-Tribulation/dp/0310212952|title=''Three Views on the Rapture - Pre-, Mid-,or Post Tribulation''}}</ref> defends the Pre-Tribulational Rapture position and interprets the two witnesses as follows:
Paul D. Feinberg<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foutz.net/archives/people/paul_d_feinberg_phd_in_memorium_february_21_2004.shtml|title=Paul D. Feinberg)}}</ref> in ''Three Views on the Rapture - Pre-, Mid-,or Post Tribulation''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Three-Views-Rapture-Pre-Post-Tribulation/dp/0310212952|title=''Three Views on the Rapture - Pre-, Mid-,or Post Tribulation''}}</ref> defends the Pre-Tribulational Rapture position and interprets the two witnesses as follows:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
*Historicism(Christian eschatology) - Historicism is an eschatological system of prophetic interpretation derived from the Protestant Reformation and holds that the prophecies of the Bible have taken place throughout history (many have been fulfilled) - some still will be fulfilled.
*Historicism(Christian eschatology) - Historicism is an eschatological system of prophetic interpretation derived from the Protestant Reformation and holds that the prophecies of the Bible have taken place throughout history (many have been fulfilled) - some still will be fulfilled.
*Futurism (Christian eschatology) - Biblical Futurism asserts that most of the relevant prophetic themes of Christian and Hebrew Scripture are yet future - the "end times" prophecies are mainly found outside the immediate time frame but could unravel any time - most hold to a literal, physical, apocalyptic and global view of Bible prophecies.
*[[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)#Futurism|Futurism (Christian eschatology)]] - Biblical Futurism asserts that most of the relevant prophetic themes of Christian and Hebrew Scripture are yet future - the "end times" prophecies are mainly found outside the immediate time frame but could unravel any time - most hold to a literal, physical, apocalyptic and global view of Bible prophecies.
*[[Preterism]] - A variant of Christian eschatology which holds that some or all of the biblical prophecies concerning the Last Days (or End Times) refer to events which actually happened in the first century after Christ's birth.
*[[Preterism]] - A variant of Christian eschatology which holds that some or all of the biblical prophecies concerning the Last Days (or End Times) refer to events which actually happened in the first century after Christ's birth.
*Partial Preterism - A form of Christian eschatology that holds much in common with but is distinct from Full preterism (or 'consistent' or 'hyper' preterism) in that it places the events of most of the Book of Revelation as occurring during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (and/or the Fall of Rome several centuries later) yet still affirms an orthodox future bodily return of Christ to earth at an unknown day and hour.
*Partial Preterism - A form of Christian eschatology that holds much in common with but is distinct from Full preterism (or 'consistent' or 'hyper' preterism) in that it places the events of most of the Book of Revelation as occurring during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (and/or the Fall of Rome several centuries later) yet still affirms an orthodox future bodily return of Christ to earth at an unknown day and hour.
*Mormon Eschatology - In Mormonism, all Latter Day Saints are viewed as covenant, or chosen, people; they have accepted the name of Jesus Christ. Latter Day Saints do not dispute the "chosen" status of the Jewish people. In LDS doctrine all people who have ever lived will have the ability to enter into this covenant during the Millennium (yet future). Mormon eschatology holds that Jews, as a chosen people, will ultimately accept Christianity (See Jeremiah 31:31-34). Mormon doctrine teaches that Mormons are "The kin blood of the Jews." Every practicing LDS member receives a patriarchal blessing that reveals their linage in the House of Israel. This lineage may be blood related or through "adoption;" therefore, a child may not necessarily share the lineage of her parents (but will still be a member of the tribes of Israel). It is a widely held belief that most members of the faith are in the tribe of Ephraim or the tribe of Manasseh.
*Mormon Eschatology - In Mormonism, all Latter Day Saints are viewed as covenant, or chosen, people; they have accepted the name of Jesus Christ. Latter Day Saints do not dispute the "chosen" status of the Jewish people. In LDS doctrine all people who have ever lived will have the ability to enter into this covenant during the Millennium (yet future). Mormon eschatology holds that Jews, as a chosen people, will ultimately accept Christianity (See Jeremiah 31:31-34). Mormon doctrine teaches that Mormons are "The kin blood of the Jews." Every practicing LDS member receives a patriarchal blessing that reveals their linage in the House of Israel. This lineage may be blood related or through "adoption;" therefore, a child may not necessarily share the lineage of her parents (but will still be a member of the tribes of Israel). It is a widely held belief that most members of the faith are in the tribe of Ephraim or the tribe of Manasseh.
*Jehovah's Witnesses Eschatology - The eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses is central to their religious beliefs. They believe that Jesus Christ has been ruling as king since 1914, and that after that time a short period of cleansing has begun taking place. They further believe that from 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses were selected by God to be his people. Jehovah's Witnesses believe 1918 to be the time when Christ Jesus judged all world religions. They teach that after a period of 18 months, among all groups and religions, there was found only one that was humbly doing the will of Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses claim the "Bible Students" who later became known as "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931 (See History of Jehovah's Witnesses) are that one unique group.
*Jehovah's Witnesses Eschatology - The eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses is central to their religious beliefs. They believe that Jesus Christ has been ruling as king since 1914, and that after that time a short period of cleansing has begun taking place. They further believe that from 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses were selected by God to be his people. Jehovah's Witnesses believe 1918 to be the time when Christ Jesus judged all world religions. They teach that after a period of 18 months, among all groups and religions, there was found only one that was humbly doing the will of Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses claim the "Bible Students" who later became known as "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931 (See History of Jehovah's Witnesses) are that one unique group.
*British Israelism Eschatology - Teaches that the Anglo-Saxon race are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel; therefore, many of the prophecies pointing toward "Jewish fulfillment" are really fulfilled in the Lost Tribes. It holds, however, many of the eschatological affirmations of the Seventh-Day Adventists.
*[[Anglo-Israelism|British Israelism]] Eschatology - Teaches that the Anglo-Saxon race are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel; therefore, many of the prophecies pointing toward "Jewish fulfillment" are really fulfilled in the Lost Tribes. It holds, however, many of the eschatological affirmations of the Seventh-Day Adventists.
*Supersessionism - Supersessionism (sometimes referred to as replacement theology by its critics) is a belief that Christianity is the fulfillment and continuation of the Old Testament, and that Jews who deny that Jesus is the Messiah are not being faithful to the revelation that God has given them, and they therefore fall short of their calling as his chosen people. This view holds that racial and ethnic divisions and boundaries are ended in Jesus Christ, and faith in Jesus unites all peoples into one new body, which is God's chosen people.
*Supersessionism - Supersessionism (sometimes referred to as replacement theology by its critics) is a belief that Christianity is the fulfillment and continuation of the Old Testament, and that Jews who deny that Jesus is the Messiah are not being faithful to the revelation that God has given them, and they therefore fall short of their calling as his chosen people. This view holds that racial and ethnic divisions and boundaries are ended in Jesus Christ, and faith in Jesus unites all peoples into one new body, which is God's chosen people.
*[[Messianic Judaism]] - Messianic Judaism is a religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is referred to as Yeshua by its adherents.
*[[Messianic Judaism]] - Messianic Judaism is a religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is referred to as Yeshua by its adherents.