How Christian Zionism became a key force in U.S. politics

Christian Zionism — the belief that the modern state of Israel fulfills biblical prophecy — has existed as a theological concept for well over a century. But in the past couple decades its political power and influence in the United States has surged, with many of Donald Trump's closest political allies among its adherents.Today we're taking a look at the theological roots of Christian Zionism, how it became a political force in America, and its impacts on U.S.-Israel policy.Our guest is Daniel Hummel, the author of Covenant Brothers: Evangelicals, Jews, and U.S.-Israeli Relations. **This episode originally included a reference to the Iranian government restarting its nuclear weapons program. In fact, Iran has never publicly declared a nuclear weapons program and has said its nuclear program is peaceful. The reference was removed.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts