Influential sources
As they’re following the news about the conflict, 59% of U.S. Christians believe news stories often over-simplify reasons for events in the war. Additionally, more than 2 in 5 believe the media is biased in their conflict coverage, but they aren’t sure in which direction. Around 3 in 10 (31%) say the mainstream media’s coverage of the war is objective. More than 2 in 10 (22%) say the press is skewed toward pro-Israel views in how they report. Meanwhile, 22% say the media is skewed toward anti-Israel views. Another quarter (26%) aren’t sure.
Despite the doubts about objectivity, most U.S. Christians (56%) say the media has influenced their opinions about Israel. Around a quarter say they’ve been influenced by the Bible (27%) and friends and family (26%). Close to 1 in 8 point to personal experiences with Jews (13%), positions of elected officials (13%) and their local church (12%). Another 10% say national Christian leaders. Fewer say teachers or professors (6%) or personal experience with Palestinians (5%) have influenced their opinions. Almost 1 in 8 (13%) aren’t sure.
U.S. Christians are more likely to say they have met an Israeli (41%) than a Palestinian (27%). Around 3 in 10 (31%) say neither, and 25% aren’t sure.
In general, American Christians are more likely to have a positive perception of Israel (65%) than negative (23%). That positive perspective seems to stem more from the practical than the prophetic.
When asked what has positively influenced their opinions about the country of Israel today, U.S. Christians are most likely to say Israelis have a right to defend and protect their state (60%). Additionally, 47% say the nation is the United States’ closest ally in an unstable region, while 44% say Israel is the historic Jewish homeland. More than a quarter (28%) say Jews needed a refuge after the Holocaust. Meanwhile, 32% point to Jesus being a Jew, 30% say Israel is important for fulfilling biblical prophecy, and 28% say the Bible says Christians should support Israel.
“While a noticeable minority of American Christians are critical of some of Israel’s policies prior to October 7, 2023, a majority have positive views of Israel and feel a strong response to the terrorist attack is warranted,” said McConnell. “Support for the defense of Israel does not supersede American Christians’ desire for civilian lives to be preserved, for negotiations to take place and to continue praying for peace.”
For more information, view the complete report.
This article originally appeared here.
