There are lots of different forms or branches of "Zionism". Some of the Zionists, for example, have essentially been socialist/communist. Others have been more religious. Many have been secular, but see Jewishness in primarily racial terms, viewing the religion of judaism as more just one factor of Jewish national culture.
I believe the State of Israel was founded as a socialist, secular state. It collaborated with both the USA and the USSR, initially trying to accept aid from both superpowers (though ultimately the Soviets would align themselves with the Arabs). Although Judaism plays a vital role in Zionism, I am certain that it is the Balfour Declaration, Holocaust and growing hostilities between Jews and Muslims in Palestine, that led to the creation of Israel.
Most Christians who support Israel have no idea how far this really goes. For example, in the state of Israel, there is no legal marriage between a Jew and a non-Jew. Most people in the world would consider it racist to not allow marriage between your race and people of another race.
There is no law preventing mixed race people from living together or having kids, but they can not legally marry and their kids are also not regarded as Jewish.
Hmmm now that is quite surprising...I thought Israelis were subject to secular law. I always thought that only the very orthodox Jewish sects (of which adherents formerly dodged the military draft until they were forced to join) did not recognised the mixed-race Jews. Most of Israel's leaders are part of reformed Judaism, I don't think they would enforce such strict laws on the people of a democratic country.
I don't support Israel for its religion or the belief that it's the ''sacred land'' (as many Evangelicals like to put it), I support Israel because it is a democratic country that allows a freedom religion for its people, as well as the fact that the Israelis have very good water conservation technologies (best in the Middle East).
Religion doesn't really matter to me surrounding Israel, they could be Muslim and it would mae no difference. That's why I admire Turkey, to some extent, for being an example for secularism to the rest of Muslim countries. It is the principles that Israel stands for that makes me support the country.
That's why I'm quite shocked that the Israelis would practise such a harsh marriage and racial law...
Another thing most Christian supporters of Israel don't realize is that Israel has actively persecuted Christians, largely due to the political clout of the orthodox Jewish community. They actively try to prevent any Christian Jews from immigrating to Israel, they persecute Churches in Israel and there are even terrorist attacks by Orthodox Jews against Christians.
The orthodox Jews have been in antagonisms with the government, they're used civil disobedience to dodge the military draft. All they do is procreate and refuse to work, they do not help Israel. Many orthodox Jews actually openly support Iran and state that they want Israel destroyed, for in the Torah it states that Israel may only exist when the Messiah saves the Jewish people.
Ironically, the more Jewish you are, the more anti-Israeli you'll be 
I actually am a supporter of Israel, but I also recognize that most American Christians have a totally unrealistic, rose-colored image of Israel.
Israel is a cultural ally of the US and a western nation... but the orthodox Jewish community is very anti-Christian and they have enough political power to enforce their views.
Agreed, especially groups such as ''Christians united for Israel'' are heavily biased. They keep on talking about Israel being sacred, that you're a bad Christian if you don't support Israel. Well as far as I know, Israel is just another country...the Catholic Church is the ''new Israel''. The Church has tried to remain neutral in the conflict but, traditionally, the Pope has always spoken for the poor. Palestine is full of impoverished people, thus the Church has called for more aid to the Palestinian people.
I'm pro-Israeli, to some extent, because I recognise and identify with their principles. However I think that too violent retaliations will only make the Palestinians more militant. I also sympathise with the Palestinian civilians...I only wish them freedom and democracy, and better incentives to work together rather than support militant groups.
*edit add*
I have no problem with the Israeli occupied territories. The Arabs have waged war against Israel since the founding of the nation and they have lost. I see no reason why Israel should give that territory back. I also think it is foolish to think that the palestinians or any of the arab nations really truly want peace. They just want concessions and to weaken Israel until they are strong enough to conquer Israel.
I also oppose the creation of a palestinian state.
Yes, but no western politicians are going to take that approach. They very well know that the more they support Israel and alienate Palestine, the more the Palestinians will be pushed into the arms of Hamas and Hezbollah. The visits Obama is giving to the PNA show his intent that he wants the USA to be pro-Israeli
and pro-Palestinian.
Perhaps an oxymoron...as soon as Gaza was given back to the Palestinians, Hamas brutally took over it and started firing rockets at Israel. It's a tough situation...there is no clear solution. That being said I believe the Palestinian people are the greatest victims. Their militant governments devoid them of basic rights, hide missiles in nurseries and hospitals, and train children to be suicide bombers...
That being said I've heard of one conservative video blogger talking about a ''one state'' solution in which Israel took over the whole Middle East. He said that Israeli law would give equal protection and respect to Muslims, Christians and Jews living in the area. Furthermore the Middle East would be democratic and there would be minimised rifts between different Muslim sects.
Right-wing slander of course...but I wonder if it could actually work
...totally with you.
