According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary, Zionism is

‘a movement for the development and protection of a Jewish nation in Israel.’

My aim here is to briefly identify and distinguish between various expressions of Christian Zionism.

1. First phase

The Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions identifies the first phase of Christian Zionism as dating back to the 16th century.  It was a Protestant – mainly Calvinistic and Anglican phenomenon.

As documented in Iain Murray’s The Puritan Hope, there was a widespread belief among the Puritans in a latter-day spiritual awakening among Jewish people that would precede Christ’s return.  This strongly influenced missionary endeavours and for some included a belief that Jewish people would return to their historic homeland.

Many 19th-century evangelical leaders, including J.C. Ryle and C.H. Spurgeon, retained this set of beliefs.

2. ‘Classic’ dispensationalism

One of the fundamental tenets of the dispensational teaching of Darby, Scofield, Chafer, Ryrie and others involves a distinction between Israel and the Church.  This conviction, together with an emphatically literal approach to biblical interpretation, leads them to apply the many Old Testament prophecies concerning the land to modern-day Israel.

3. Progressive dispensationalism

While softening the distinction between Israel and the church, progressives such as Craig Blaising, Darell Bock and Robert Saucy agree that God has a distinct future plan for Jewish people.

4.  Non-dispensational teaching

Non-dispensational Bible teachers such as David Pawson adopt a rather similar approach to dispensationalists regarding Israel and the land.

5. Roman Catholic zionism

Traditionally, the Roman Catholic church has embraced supercessionism – the doctrine that the church has replaced Israel in God’s purposes.

In recent years, however, theologians such as Gavin M’Costa have developed a form of zionism.

Donald Lewis, A Short History of Christian Zionism.