Ishmael, Zionism, and Islamophobia

(Also see this other entry for more on Christian Zionism and Covenant)

Zionism is inherently racist. Christian Zionism is no exception. To systematically remove a specific ethnic group from a region in preference of another is racist, unjust, unethical, and immoral. The sad truth that those that claim Jesus Christ as their identity also willingly accept and even teach a prejudice (or hatred) toward Arab people is heartbreaking. All Arab people, like every other nation, are made equally in the image of God. Every one of us humans is equally fallen, and equally unconditionally loved. Islam0phobia and hatred of Arab people has become a horrible new reality in North American mainstream culture. That Christians should be any part of it is antithetical to the gospel and the teachings of Jesus.

Because Christians unquestioningly use passages from the book of Genesis regarding Ishmael as justification for their unchristian hatred of Arab people, I think it would be valuable to make a brief statement regarding the connection between the two. Though the words in scripture do not give any precedent or excuse for the Islamophobia of Christians, Zionists or otherwise, I hope that these words may have some affect by meeting them where they are at. I consider it a lowest common denominator, and unfortunate that it should need to be explained, but I believe that for some it is necessary.

Of course, the even greater truth than what is written here is that racism, or prejudice (or hatred) toward one particular group of people made in God's image at the exclusion of others is not according to Christ's character and is sin. However, since some justify their prejudice through scripture, this unwinds that justification a little.

The word "Arab" originally referred both in the Bible and Assyrian records to a regional designation, not an ethnic one. Arabs did not begin considering themselves descendants of Abraham and Ishmael until after the development of Islam in the seventh century. After this point, it began to change into an ethnic designation. Muslims consider themselves descended from Ishmael because of a spiritual fatherhood of Muhammad through their faith, who they say is a descendant of Ishmael. Besides this prevailing belief, there is no evidence that Arabs actually literally come from the genetic line of Ishmael.

I do not intend to draw attention to this history in order to undermine or disregard the honest faith of those Muslims who believe this history to be true. In the spirit of respect and understanding, it is right and good for Christians to consider the importance of Muslim’s understanding of their own heritage. It isn’t necessary to argue the point with our Muslim friends. However, if it removes an excuse for the abhorrent behaviour toward Arabs and Muslims by our Christian friends, it is worth arguing.

There is no record whatsoever of there being ongoing hostility or conflict between Arabs or Ishmaelites and Israelites in scripture or in ancient history.

The significance of this distinction is that it refutes the common paradigm that Jews and Arabs have "always" fought, or that the conflict between them today is somehow a spiritual reality that must be accepted. It also refutes the idea that any of the pronouncements of God on Ishmael that appear negative should be applied to Arabs today. Neither scripture, theology, nor history gives us an excuse to demonize Arab people, or suggest that they are somehow intrinsically linked to the Jewish people as enemies.

Ascribing hatred toward another ethnic group as part of an ethnic group's nature is racist toward both groups, Jews and Arabs. Our understandings of the conflicts in the Middle East must look elsewhere.


(See this entry for more on Christian Zionism and Covenant)