"On one hand of the Protestant ecumene, the ideological captivities of once 'mainline' churches prevent understanding of the unique calling of the Jews and the role therein of the land. On the other hand, dispensationalist evangelicalism has a place for them, in a scheme other Christians must judge a bizarre perversion of Scripture. This book could be a historic breakthrough."
—W. Jenson, former senior scholar for research, Center of Theological Inquiry
"It is a pleasure to commend this discussion of the relationship between the church and the people and land of Israel. McDermott's voice is a crucial one as he shows how this theme is neither new nor tied to one particular Christian tradition. The question of Israel's role in God's purposes is relevant and appropriately nuanced, and this book, dealing with a topic that often is treated too simplistically by both sides in the debate, will be of great value to the church."
—Darrell L. Bock, executive director for cultural engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement, senior research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
"Because so much discussion of Israel is polarized between uncritical fundamentalism and liberal demonization of the Jewish State, Gerald McDermott's book is more important than ever. In addition to dispelling the myth that Christian Zionism is a new political construct, McDermott offers a balanced interpretation of Christian theological tradition regarding Judaism and a close reading of the Bible that both strengthens Christian belief and makes room for the Jewish people in their covenantal homeland. Israel Matters is a must-read for all people of faith as well as for every person interested in understanding both the place of Judaism today and the Middle East and in pursuing peace in that troubled region."
—Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn, academic director, Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation, Israel
"In clear, accessible, and engaging language, Gerald McDermott tells us how and why his views have changed regarding 'Israel'--that is, the Jewish people, the Jewish religious tradition, and the land of promise. Wary of uncritical, dispensationalist Zionism and hypercritical anti-Zionism alike, McDermott examines with skill and intelligence a multitude of complex biblical texts, historical developments, political realities, and theological quandaries. He then channels these insights into a coherent and forceful argument on behalf of a radical claim that the Church has too long evaded--that Israel, in all its dimensions, is an essential component of God's redemptive purpose in history."
—Mark S. Kinzer, author of Postmissionary Messianic Judaism: Redefining Christian Engagement with the Jewish People and Searching Her Own Mystery: Nostra Aetate, the Jewish People, and the Identity of the Church
"Not content to take on supersessionism, McDermott reworks covenantal theology to argue that there remains a covenant with Israel, which includes the land, and that this insight has implications for Christian doctrine as a whole. At the same time, he eschews a starry-eyed vision of the current State of Israel, preferring instead to acknowledge its mistakes while also recognizing its importance in history. In Israel Matters, McDermott has placed Christian Zionism on firm biblical and theological footing. I heartily recommend it."
—Dale Coulter, School of Divinity, Regent University
"Every theologian--and especially those theologians who might be inclined to disagree--should read Gerald McDermott's Israel Matters, as it is destined to become the standard text for this perspective. Highly recommended."
—Bruce Ashford, professor of theology and culture, provost and dean of faculty, and fellow for the Bush Center for Faith and Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
