Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, recently appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show, and what he had to say proves the vital role that a good Sunday school teacher can play — as well as the damage that can be caused by one who is misinformed. It also reveals the importance of actually verifying whether what you learned when you were 6 years old is correct, and asking yourself the question: “Was what I learned 50 years ago a faithful expression of what the Bible actually teaches?” And finally, it reminds us that if you’re going to base your geopolitical decisions on a Biblical doctrine, it would be most helpful for you to understand where, if anywhere, that doctrine is to be found in Scripture.
The two discussed the subject of Israel and specifically Cruz’s thoughts regarding current goings-on in the Middle East — the stakes of which are even higher after the United States’ weekend bombings of Iran’s nuclear sites. Carlson, as is his wont, was challenging Cruz and going where few journalists dare to go, seeking genuine, meaningful responses, and not being satisfied with empty talking points.
While discussing his apparently unqualified support of the modern-day nation-state of Israel, Cruz began to reminisce about what he had learned many years ago in Sunday school: “Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed.” This is not an unusual view; such sentiments are commonly expressed in American politics and by the various Christian organizations that lobby fervently in favor of Israel, describing that country as America’s “greatest ally” and declaring it an absolute must that she be supported in all her endeavors. In the American “Christians for Israel” world, it is exactly this guiding principle that stands front and center.
Carlson challenged Cruz. “Where is that [in the Bible]?” he asked. (Notice that Carlson himself knew where, citing Genesis amid his barrage of questions, which showed he was not asking out of ignorance.) “I’m a Christian. I want to know what you’re talking about.”
Cruz, however, was unable to say where in Scripture that phrase was found, and when Carlson asked whether that statement refers to the modern nation-state of Israel (a good question!), Cruz merely assumed such was the case.
Hellbound and Down 