Naija News • 2h ago
The theology that hijacked American foreign policy, By Bámidélé Adémólá-Olátéjú
**"The Unspoken Influence Shaping America's Foreign Policy"**
In the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., there's a conversation that often goes unspoken. The debate about America's foreign policy often revolves around influential groups like AIPAC, oil interests, and the military-industrial complex. However, few acknowledge the impact of a widespread and deeply held belief system that shapes American foreign policy. This conviction, shared by tens of millions of American voters, revolves around the imminent end of the world and its scriptural significance.
This belief system, known as premillennial dispensationalism or Rapture theology, has far-reaching implications for American foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Israel. The belief is not rooted in ancient Christian teachings but was invented by a clergyman named John Nelson Darby in the 19th century. According to Darby's dispensationalism, the world is divided into distinct periods governed by different divine covenants.
For many American Christians, the Middle East is not a region to be stabilized through diplomacy and economic cooperation but a stage for the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This perspective creates a sense of urgency and moral obligation to support Israel, which they believe is a crucial step towards the return of Jesus Christ. Consequently, any opposition to American support for Israel is seen as a challenge to God's will, making it an act of rebellion.
This ideology has significant implications for American foreign policy in the Middle East. It has driven U.S. support for Israel's policies, including its treatment of Palestine, and has led to the country's involvement in various conflicts in the region. The influence of Rapture theology on American foreign policy has profound consequences for the people of the Middle East, who bear the brunt of these conflicts.
It is high time that Nigerians and Americans alike acknowledge the profound impact of Rapture theology on American foreign policy. By understanding the roots and implications of this belief system, we can better grasp the complexities of American foreign policy and its far-reaching consequences for global stability and security.