ISRAEL - Leads Wealthy Nations in Religious Nationalism
A poll reveals that while Israel does not rank highest globally for religious nationalism, it does lead among high-income countries in the proportion of religious nationalists.
The Pew Research Center poll, which measured levels of religious nationalism among 55,000 people in 36 countries, found that 9% of Israelis could be classified as religious nationalists, placing the Jewish state at 14 out of the 36 countries polled, matching Greece and Turkey, both of which had the same rate.
While Israel, with a 9% rate of religious nationalists, did not rank high globally, with Indonesia rating highest at 46%, it did lead high-income countries along with Greece, which scored the same.
The high-income countries with the second-highest rates of religious nationalists were the US and Chile with 6%.
Meanwhile, 56% of Israelis believed it was somewhat or very important for the prime minister to share their religious beliefs, although the poll did not specify to what extent.
More Israelis (68%), however, felt that it was important for a national leader to stand up for people and their religious beliefs regardless of his/her own practices.
-www.timesofisrael.com, 28 January 2025
Arno's Commentary
Religion plays a significant role in every nation globally. Although communist states dismiss religion, the growth of religion—particularly Christianity—proves that religion is alive and well regardless of potential disadvantages, or even persecution.
When it comes to Israel, it’s the only state founded and named by the Creator Himself. This is documented in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This verse is often misused by Christian nationalists, who apparently overlook the six words, “which are called by my name.” We note that Israel ends with “el,” which is a generic word for “God,” “might,” “strength,” or “power.”
The Pew Research Center poll reveals that only 9% consider themselves religious nationalists; one would think it would be at least 90% or more. Israel is a religious nation, and will one day exemplify their calling, revealing to the rest of the world that they are called by God. Actually, we read in the Bible that God refers to Israel as “His people,” “His treasured possession,” and “the apple of His eye.”
We must add, however, that spiritually, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can claim 2 Chronicles 7:14 as well.
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
