Pastor Rob McCoy is an evangelical pastor in the United States and an expert on replacement theology, which he describes as the foundation upon which antisemitism is built. He is deeply committed to supporting Israel and sees a strong spiritual bond between Israel and America.
McCoy explains that the division in America over support for Israel stems from replacement theology. According to him, this is where “Christians say that it's no longer Israel that God blesses.” In Israel’s place, he explains, the theology says that “the mantle has been given to the church because Israel lost it due to their evil ways."
He dismisses this belief as "bad theology" and points to history, asking, "Where was the church when 6.5 million Jews were gassed and incinerated?" He cites figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the White Rose rebellion as the rare Christian voices who stood against the Holocaust.
McCoy acknowledges Israel's imperfections, but maintains unwavering support for the nation. "There are some things that really irritate me about what the nation of Israel does, but I still believe that it is a nation that is to be protected."
He argues that opposition to Israel often masks anti-Semitic tendencies. "The fear is that many people have followed history where they see secular Jews who are probably globalists, not committed to faith,” but instead are focused on profit-making. This leads in his view to claims that “America is owned and controlled by the Jewish state."
McCoy has visited Israel 22 times. He sees firsthand the value and importance of educating others about Israel’s significance. He frequently takes pastors and politicians to Israel. "We want to give love for Israel and understanding," he says.
He recalls bringing Republican National Committee members, Republican lieutenant governors, and figures like Rand Paul and Rick Perry to see Israel. "When [those who] are replacement theology-minded go to Israel, and I get a chance to show them sites and the spiritual connection, it's a game changer," he says.
McCoy stresses the importance of history in defending Israel’s legitimacy. He points to the power of ongoing archeological discoveries there in particular. “They discovered the city of David, which they said never existed, but it was where the Bible said it was," he points out.
He contrasts this with the destruction of historical sites in other parts of the Middle East. While "Israel secures and preserves these sites,” he says, “where 90% of the Muslim world exists, those sites are being blown up and destroyed."
For new leaders in America, McCoy advises going to Israel to gain firsthand experience. "Most of the people who adopt replacement theology have spent very little time in Israel,” he says, and adds “If they have gone, they didn’t have a great tour guide."
McCoy is also struck by Israel’s agricultural and technological progress. "When Israel became a nation, the land changed,” he says. “The land is blooming and actually feeding Western Europe." He notes that Israel invented the drip irrigation system and continues to develop groundbreaking technology.
For McCoy, Israel is nothing short of a miracle. "They found the largest natural gas deposits off the coast of Israel. Now they're going to have their own energy supply," he says. He compares Israel’s resilience to that of South Korea, another nation that overcame occupation and conflict to thrive.
Ultimately, McCoy believes that America and Israel are bound by a shared commitment to moral law and democracy. "We're connected spiritually by the moral law, the love of God. That’s where Western civilization was born.” He adds, “That's why we must protect one another."
"To say America is controlled by globalists, that's not a stretch,” he says. “But to blame Israel for that is wrong."
