Christian Zionism and Supersessionism in the Twenty First Century: A Historical, Theological and Political Investigation

Fretwell, Thomas (2025) Christian Zionism and Supersessionism in the Twenty First Century: A Historical, Theological and Political Investigation. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

Preview

Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

This thesis examines the evolving dynamics of Christian Zionism and supersessionism in the twenty-first century, historically contextualising both theological movements while exploring their contemporary expressions. Christian Zionism traditionally emphasises the theological and eschatological significance of Israel and the Jewish people, rooted in the biblical covenants and has been influential in American politics, particularly through dispensationalist frameworks. Supersessionism, conversely, asserts that the Christian Church has replaced Israel as the primary recipient of God's promises, a view that has long influenced Christian theology, particularly in its relationship with Judaism. This thesis demonstrates that in recent decades, global geo-political shifts, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have catalysed significant changes within these movements. A "New Supersessionism" has emerged, blending classical supersessionist theology with Palestinian nationalism and liberation theology. This synthesis incorporates contemporary ideologies such as critical theory and decolonial theory, framing the Palestinian struggle as one of liberation from a colonial power. These new theological constructs challenge traditional Christian support for Israel, positioning Palestine as central to a narrative of justice and resistance against oppression. Simultaneously, Christian Zionism has undergone a transformation. The "New Christian Zionism" distances itself from popularist and often politically charged dispensationalist interpretations. This movement emphasises a less dogmatic and more nuanced theological support for Israel, seeking to avoid the overt politicisation that characterised earlier expressions. It focuses more on a Christological fulfilment understanding of Israel and the covenantal promises, distancing itself from apocalyptic or hyper-nationalist rhetoric. The thesis concludes that both movements—new supersessionism and new Christian Zionism—represent significant departures from their traditional forms, driven by theological innovation and responses to modern geopolitical realities. These developments contain enough novel content to warrant their classification as distinct contemporary theological movements and this thesis provides a new critical analysis of both these movements filling a gap in the academic literature on this subject.