Three Years After Attack, Debate on Israel's Role in Christian Theology Grows

Three years have passed since the surprise assault on Israel that stands as the deadliest attack in the nation's history. The event, which occurred in October 2023, has fundamentally altered how international observers and religious leaders view the country. Dr. Michael Rydelnik, Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies and Bible at Moody Bible Institute, has turned his attention to this shift in global perception. He argues that the past three years require Christians to rethink their theological framework regarding Israel.

Rydelnik, the son of Holocaust survivors raised in an observant Jewish home in Brooklyn, New York, became a follower of Jesus during his high school years. He has spent decades teaching at Moody and serving as a Bible teacher on Moody Radio's Open Line, a program broadcast across more than 300 stations. In his recent work, he contends that the specific circumstances of the 2023 attack have changed the context for Christian engagement with the state. He suggests that previous theological models may not fully account for the current geopolitical and spiritual realities.

The discussion is featured on Equipped with Chris Brooks, a live radio program hosted by the senior pastor of Woodside Bible Church in the Detroit metropolitan area. Brooks, who has served in Detroit ministry roles for over two decades, hosts the show to encourage spiritual growth and critical thinking. The program airs weekdays at noon Central Time and allows for listener participation. Rydelnik joins the broadcast to explain how the memory of the October attack influences Christian doctrine and practice today.

Rydelnik has authored several books and co-edited The Moody Bible Commentary. His perspective is shaped by both his academic background and his personal history as a convert from Judaism. He emphasizes that understanding Israel is not just an academic exercise but a practical one for believers. The show aims to help listeners live compassionately in a changing culture by examining these issues through a critical lens. The segment serves as a resource for those seeking to align their faith with contemporary events.

The program also promotes a related book, How Should Christians Think About Israel? The publication offers a detailed exploration of the theological questions raised by recent events. It is presented as a key resource for the ongoing conversation. Moody Global Media, which produces the show, notes that the topic has gained prominence in religious circles. The timing of the discussion coincides with the three-year anniversary of the attack, marking a milestone in the post-conflict era. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the material through the show's social media platforms and call-in lines.

The broadcast includes a featured resource by Mark Yarbrough titled The Rekindled Heart: 6 Essentials for Reviving Your Faith. This book is offered as a thank-you gift for listeners in October. It provides a separate but complementary focus on personal spiritual renewal. The combination of these resources reflects the station's commitment to both doctrinal clarity and practical devotional guidance. The air date of October 30, 2026, marks the specific moment of this renewed focus on the anniversary. The production remains a staple of the Moody Radio network, continuing its mission to empower listeners in their daily lives.