MOVIE: With God on Our Side

PG | YouTube | 1hr 21m
Released in February of 2024

SUMMARY: The documentary With God on Our Side takes an incisive look at the uncritical support many evangelical Christians in the West, particularly in the U.S., have given to Israel. At its core, the film examines the theological underpinnings of Christian Zionism, its historical evolution, and its very real geopolitical and human consequences.

Through a combination of expert interviews, historical analysis, and personal testimonies, the documentary exposes the dangers of a dispensationalist theology that prioritizes a particular interpretation of biblical prophecy over human rights and justice. Figures like John Hagee, one of the most vocal proponents of Christian Zionism, serve as examples of how eschatological beliefs can shape foreign policy and deepen divisions in one of the most volatile regions in the world.

The film delves into the theological debate surrounding Genesis 12 (“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you”), a verse often wielded as a justification for unwavering support of Israel. It contrasts the dispensationalist reading of this passage with more nuanced perspectives, including Gary Burge’s argument that the New Testament reframes the Abrahamic covenant in a way that does not necessitate unconditional political allegiance to Israel. The discussion extends into the divide between one-covenant and two-covenant theology—whether Jews and Christians are under the same divine covenant or separate, parallel ones.

One of the documentary’s strongest points is its willingness to address the historical context of Christian Zionism, including its 19th-century roots, the role of the International Christian Embassy, and its influence on modern evangelical thought. It highlights how theology, when wielded carelessly, has direct real-world consequences, particularly for Palestinians, whose suffering is often dismissed or ignored by Christian Zionists in their pursuit of an eschatological vision that aligns with their interpretation of biblical prophecy.

Ultimately, With God on Our Side is a necessary and thought-provoking documentary that challenges viewers—especially Christians—to reconsider how their faith intersects with politics, history, and justice. It calls for a more ethical and biblically grounded approach that does not allow theological constructs to justify human rights violations. Whether one agrees with its conclusions or not, the film forces an important conversation that too many have avoided for too long.

KEY QUOTE: “What has happened is that we as evangelicals have endorsed an Israeli domestic policy that has place over 3 million people under military occupation and has created the largest refugee population in the entire world. And you have to ask yourself, ‘Why is this defended by the Christian church?’ How is it that we don’t see the suffering of so many people who are made in the image of God?” – Gary Burge

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