Christian Zionism in US Sees Decline According to Recent Studies

US Support for Israel Among Young Conservatives Wanes

A recent article by Jacobin magazine reported a decline in support for Israel among young American conservatives. The Christian Zionism movement, which advocates for unconditional support of Israel as part of its theological and political platform, has seen a decrease in backing from this demographic.

Christian Zionism emerged in the 1990s, with Christianity Today magazine featuring a cover story on the topic in March 1992. Despite initial concerns about the movement’s decline, it gained significant traction over the next three decades, attracting tens of millions of followers primarily in the southeastern and south-central United States.

The movement played a substantial role in shaping US policy towards Israel, particularly among conservative evangelical Christians who tend to vote for the Republican Party. Christian Zionists also contributed to the election of George W Bush for two terms and supported his invasion of Iraq, which was justified by some as necessary for the rebuilding of Babylon and the second coming of Jesus Christ.

In November 2025, Jacobin magazine predicted the decline of Christian Zionism, citing a decrease in public support for Israel among evangelicals. A recent survey found that only 33.6% of evangelical respondents under 30 supported Israel, down from previous years. Scholars attribute this shift to a decrease in belief in premillennialism, a key biblical interpretation that emphasizes the importance of supporting modern-day Israel.

Despite waning public support, Christian Zionists continue to wield significant influence over US policy due to their substantial financial resources and institutional power. The lobby arm of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) has spent millions on lobbying efforts in Washington, including advocating for sanctions on Iran. CUFI’s efforts have also secured billions in funding for Israel.

The question remains whether Christian Zionists can sustain their influence as public support for Israel continues to decline.

Source: Al Jazeera