Welcome back, friends! We’re continuing a short series focusing on a serious issue that concerns not only political conservatives, but evangelical Christians. The issue is rising antisemitism on the right. As noted yesterday, this wedge could have incredible implications both politically and Biblically.
Previously, we have noted deeply troubling overt antisemitic remarks from conservative influencers such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. Others have jumped on their bandwagons. That was on clear display at AmFest 2025, the gigantic youth-centric 4-day convention hosted every year in Phoenix Arizona by Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization. I attended that convention and was appalled by what I saw and heard.
The convention opened with a welcome from Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has taken the reigns of Turning Point. That welcoming moment set the stage for what was to come, as Erika essentially implied we are one big family and the convention would serve as a place to air family grievances surrounding topics of which we would not all agree.
The fireworks began when Ben Shapiro, a popular conservative Jewish podcaster, took the stage that evening and began his speech pointing out the importance of truth and unity in today’s culture. He drove the point home by stating, “Unity without truth is no unity. It is merely solidarity in falsehood,” then shared 5 obligations media has to their listeners. His approach was methodical and (in my opinion) fairly accurate. His remarks took dead aim at the antisemitic viewpoints of Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Steve Bannon and others who have used their powerful positions as influencers to spread antisemitism within the conservative base. Unfortunately, in Ben Shapiro fashion, the speech set an aggressive tone that provoked equally aggressive responses.
Later in the weekend, when Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon took the stage (separately), the temperature remained hot on the topic. Carlson played the role of “I’m only asking questions,” as though to absolve himself from responsibility of platforming the reprehensible antisemite, Nick Fuentes. Though Bannon says he is pro-Istael, he pushes for a wacky 3-state solution (including Christians), which requires dividing Israel’s land. He has also stated he believes Israel is determined to take over the Middle East. I’m told (but have not confirmed) he was his usual obnoxious self in defense of Shapiro’s claims of antisemitism as well.
To be honest, I chose to walk out of both Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon appearances due to previous overt and consistent antisemitic comments. (Surprisingly, I streamed out with hundreds of others who left for the same reason.) Thus, my knowledge of their speeches comes only from brief clips and reports from those who remained in the room. I have not watched their 2025 AmFest speeches in entirety, though I have heard many examples of antisemitism from them both.
The Turning Point event also featured a sit-down discussion/debate which seems to be the best way to have approached the issue. A well-mediated discussion between opposing positions seems a much better solution than handing a microphone and the podium over to major influencers such as Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon to spend 30 minutes raising the temperature and inflaming the audience. The actual discussion/debate between friends was largely unproductive.
In summary, I agree with the stance and many of the points made by Ben Shapiro, though I was highly disappointed in the manner in which the battle was set up. Shapiro, anticipating attacks from Carlson and Bannon, came out very aggressive, and the tone was set for rising tensions. Sadly, airing of family grievances seems to have driven the wedge deeper within the conservative movement. Support for Israel will, indeed, be a hot political topic, potentially dividing even evangelicals.
From a Biblical perspective, God’s Word is our guide and followers of Jesus must never compromise when it comes to standing with Israel. That doesn’t mean we agree with everything Israel does, but that we support Israel’s right to exist, their right to their homeland, and their right to defend themselves, all without the hate and violence thrust upon them. From a political perspective, radicals would like nothing better than to cause conservatives to split over Israel. Success would mean unlimited electoral success for radicals. This is a matter of prayer and discernment. Commit to Biblical principles and values and stand with Israel.
Tomorrow we’ll take a deep dive into the true nature of rising antisemitism on the right. Don’t miss it!
PS: For reference, here are links for the speeches and debate referenced above:
Looking for the Blessed Hope 