The Liberty Way: Falwell’s Path to Christian Zionism [9781839996108]

Overview

This book examines the profound impact of Liberty University, church planting networks, and grassroots mobilization on shaping U.S. policy toward Israel. It explores how Dr. Jerry Falwell, through his leadership at Liberty University and the Moral Majority, built a vast evangelical network that successfully influenced Congress and the White House. The book delves into the political power of Liberty alumni, who established churches across the United States, integrating Christian Zionism into their teachings and mobilizing congregations to support pro-Israel policies.
Through archival research, interviews, and policy analysis, the study traces the evolution of evangelical involvement in U.S. politics, highlighting the unique relationship between Falwell and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. It examines how Falwell positioned himself as an advocate for Israel, lobbying for policies such as the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. The book also explores the role of church planting as a political strategy, showing how local religious communities became conduits for mobilizing grassroots support for Israel.
By shedding light on the intersection of faith, politics, and diplomacy, this book provides a compelling analysis of how evangelical activism continues to shape U.S.-Israel relations and the broader conservative agenda in America.