On November 14, 2019, Arab Center Washington DC hosted a panel featuring Alison Glick, James Wallis, and Jonathan Kuttab to discuss the impact of Evangelical Christians on US Middle East policy. Kuttab highlighted the influence of Christian Zionists, who view modern events in Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and were key drivers behind moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. He noted that while figures like Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo amplified this stance, the evangelical community is not a monolith, and engagement is necessary to foster change. Glick provided statistical context, noting that evangelicals comprise roughly 100 million people, or 25-30% of the US adult population. She pointed to a growing generational divide, observing that while 77% of older evangelicals support Israel's security and prosperity, that number drops to 58% among those aged 18-34, with younger members showing more concern regarding the treatment of Palestinians.
James Wallis offered a more critical perspective, arguing that many evangelicals prioritize politics over theology, citing their support for Donald Trump in 2016 as evidence of a shift toward White nationalism and an "American brand of fascism." He called for a return to the original teachings of Jesus centered on the poor and the recognition of Palestinian humanity as a prerequisite for policy change. Wallis asserted that while Congress remains stagnant on the issue, firsthand experiences in the Middle East are beginning to shift the perspectives of American Christians. Collectively, the panelists suggested that demographic shifts, the inclusion of more diverse minority voices within the faith, and a rejection of unconditional political stances are slowly transforming the evangelical landscape regarding Middle East diplomacy.
