By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Religious-right activists largely support Israel in its conflict with Iran, believing biblical prophecy necessitates this stance to hasten the End Times and Jesus’s return. Prominent figures like Michele Bachmann and Shane Vaughn frame the conflict as a spiritual battle, with Israel’s victory seen as a precursor to events foretold in the Book of Ezekiel. This belief is further underscored by Tony Perkins and Jack Hibbs, who connect support for Israel to divine blessings and the imminent arrival of the war of Gog and Magog. Hibbs, in particular, anticipates a mass conversion of Jews to Christianity following this war.
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MAGA evangelicals, fueled by a specific interpretation of biblical prophecy, believe that a major conflict between Israel and Iran will trigger the end times. This belief isn’t rooted in mainstream theological understanding; it stems from a relatively recent interpretation of scripture known as Dispensationalism, a system of thought that gained traction in the 19th century and became particularly popular during the “Satanic Panic” of the 1990s.
This belief system, often amplified by popular fiction and films like the “Left Behind” series, posits a series of events leading to the apocalypse, with the conflict in the Middle East playing a crucial role. For these individuals, the escalating tensions are not just a geopolitical crisis; they are a sign of the approaching end, a fulfillment of long-awaited prophecies.
The perceived connection between the Israel/Iran conflict and the end times is not based on traditional theological scholarship or historical interpretations. It’s a relatively modern interpretation, significantly shaped by a single individual’s unique reading of scripture. This makes it more akin to a belief system built on a specific, and arguably idiosyncratic, understanding of religious texts rather than a widely accepted theological position.
This interpretation, however, holds significant weight for a segment of the population, especially among those aligned with the MAGA movement. The belief that a conflict could bring about the rapture—a central tenet of Dispensationalism—influences their perspectives on international affairs. It arguably adds a layer of complexity and urgency to their interpretations of geopolitical events, potentially explaining their seeming support for policies that might escalate tensions.
Concerns have been raised about the potential implications of this belief system. For some, the very idea that those in positions of power hold such beliefs is alarming. The potential for these beliefs to shape foreign policy decisions, potentially leading to disastrous consequences, is a serious concern. The lack of grounding in mainstream theological scholarship only exacerbates these worries.
Furthermore, the belief that the end times are imminent seems to provide a framework through which seemingly contradictory actions can be justified. The idea that “the bad guys are in control in the end” provides a lens that refracts all events to fit their pre-existing worldview, making critical analysis and objective assessment challenging. This potentially makes them resistant to alternative viewpoints and information which could contradict their established beliefs.
The connection between this belief system and the MAGA movement is a particularly notable aspect of this phenomenon. Some even suggest that the current political climate, particularly the presence of certain figures in positions of power, has become intertwined with their apocalyptic expectations. The merging of political ideology with millenarian beliefs creates a potent and potentially volatile mix.
In essence, it’s a complex convergence of political affiliation, religious interpretation, and apocalyptic expectations. While some dismiss it as “insanity” or “delusion,” understanding the nuances of this belief system is vital for comprehending the potential impact on both domestic and foreign policy. The potential for the belief to influence real-world decisions, especially those with devastating global consequences, cannot be ignored. It’s a multifaceted issue demanding further examination and understanding of its complexities. The implications extend beyond the realm of religious belief and directly into the sphere of political action and international relations.