The ACDP was shocked to learn of the launch of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s “Solidarity in Action Awards” and what they stand for.
It was reported that the Foundation decided to launch these awards after claims of Zionism emerged while undertaking various engagements and dialogues, and this, they believe, is an important issue that needs to be addressed. They further state that Zionism is based on a theology that conflates biblical prophecy with political support for Israeli-settler colonialism and remains a driving force in legitimising occupation, apartheid, and genocide.
In addition, the Foundation firmly believes that Christian Zionism is deeply rooted in colonial history, amplified by global networks. This ideology, they claim, has been a barrier to achieve peace and justice for Palestinians, and that the misuse of Scripture to justify domination and discrimination is something they know all too well, given South Africa’s past.
The ACDP completely disagrees with the Nelson Mandela Foundation in this regard. Their claims and justification for “Solidarity in Action” in which Christian Zionism is considered a stumbling block or barrier to solving difficulties in the Middle East are deeply flawed and misguided, and must be challenged.
Many Christian Zionists view the Bible in an extremely serious light, and wholeheartedly believe that Israel has the right to exist within safe and secure borders.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation explicitly misrepresents Christian Zionism when they call it a theology that conflates biblical prophecy with political support for Israeli-settler colonialism.
I want to make it clear, especially for Bible believing Christians, that the Israel of today is the same Israel of old because the Bible itself never tells us when the Israel of old ended, or what is referred to as the Israel of today.
Israel — a nation which God calls His own — is Israel as far as Scripture is concerned. Those who claim this to be different must point this out in the Scriptures to prove otherwise.
