Episode 10 - Christian Zionism within the US Media Landscape

This month we're diving into one of the most pervasive and dangerous distortions in American religious and political discourse: the problem of Zionism in US media and publishing. In conversations about Palestine and Israel, many people encounter not just facts on the ground, but carefully shaped narratives about identity, history, and morality. One term that comes up in this context is “hasbara,” Israel’s approach to public diplomacy—how the state explains and justifies its actions to the world. For everyday media consumers, these narratives don’t always arrive labeled or obvious. They’re woven into news coverage, social media, political rhetoric, and faith-based discussions, sometimes carrying theological undertones or moral framing that can be hard to parse in real time. The distorted theological language of Christian Zionism is one such manifestation of Israeli Hasbara. For decades, we've seen how the narrative around Palestine gets shaped by powerful interests, with religious language often weaponized to legitimize the illegal Israeli occupation, apartheid, and ongoing genocide. Resources Mentioned Times of Israel article on Gaza Encampment at Columbia The Atlantic magazine article How To Sell A Genocide, Adam Johnson America’s Misadventures in the Middle East, Chas W. Freeman Jr. History of Zionism from 1600-1918, Nahum Sokolow Public Opinion, Walter Lippmann “The Problem with Passover,” Harriet Malinowitz “New public diplomacy” The Network approach The Nation Mondoweiss Middle East Monitor The Electronic Intifada Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) Fairness Doctrine in FCC Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming Hasbara Handbook: Promoting Israel on Campus The Global Language Dictionary The Complicit Lens: The US Establishment Media’s Role in the Gaza Genocide Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, Michael Pollan Makdisi Street Podcast Support the show Credits: Original music: Karl Saint Lucy & Danny Frye (feat. Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac) - “The Path Forward” Produced, written, and performed by: Karl Saint Lucy (ASCAP) & Danny Frye (BMI) Featuring sampled speech by: Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac Drums, mixing, and mastering: Danny Frye Keyboards and programming: Karl Saint Lucy Logo design: Dee Roberts