Dr. Merkley explores one of the most contentious issues of modern Christian theology and politics - the issue of Christian attitudes to the Jewish homeland, Israel. For too long, this issue has escaped rigorous theological and historical treatment by scholars representing the pro-Israel side of Christianity. He takes readers back to the origins of Christian-Zionism in exegesis of Scripture and recalls the story of Christian attitudes towards the Jews over the two millennia since the destruction of the Second Temple. Confronting the historical distortions of the anti-Zionists, he provides a calm, proud and scholarly defense of Christian Zionism. For readers seeking a deeper understanding of Christian attitudes towards Israel, this is a must read. "The Lord said to Abram, "Leave your own country, your kinsmen, and your father's house, and go to a country I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name so great that it shall be used in blessings: Those that bless you I will bless, Those that curse you, I will execrate. All the families on earth Will pray to be blessed as you are blessed." (Genesis 12:1-5)