A new study found that 19 percent of Christians born, raised and living in Israel believe that God gave Israel to Jews.
According to the Pew Research Center study, more than half of the survey participants said they believe it is not true that God gave Israel to the Jews. Another 9 percent said they did not know.
The study also found that only 2 percent of the Israeli population is Christian, down from 3 percent in 1949.
The majority of Israeli Christians, about 72 percent, said they believe Israel cannot be a democracy and a Jewish state. In comparison, however, about 76 percent of Israeli Jews said they believe Israel can be both.
In comparison, a 2013 Pew study showed that just 18 percent of American Christians said the U.S. is too supportive of Israel. A 2015 Pew poll showed that 80 percent of evangelical pastors say that Christians should support Israel.
Other interesting findings from the new survey:
- Only 12 percent of Christians believe the Israeli government is trying to bring peace with the Palestinians.
- Half of Israeli Christians think that Palestinian leaders are making “genuine efforts” for peace.
- 45 percent of Christians said they believe Israel and an independent Palestine could coexist peacefully.
Publication date: March 9, 2016
