Catholic Author Shane Schaetzel Affirms Church as 'Kingdom of Israel' in New Theological Essay

Catholic author and commentator Shane Schaetzel has recently published a significant theological essay asserting that the Catholic Church is, in fact, the "Kingdom of Israel." The publication, titled "The Catholic Church is the Kingdom of Israel," appeared on Real Clear Catholic on July 30, 2025, and was highlighted by Schaetzel in a tweet stating, "Something big is happening among Catholics in the United States."

In his detailed article, Schaetzel argues that the New Testament and Catholic teaching unequivocally identify the Church as the fulfillment of the Old Testament's promises to Israel. He contends that the concept of "Israel" has expanded beyond an ethnic or geographic entity to encompass the global body of believers in Christ. "The overwhelming theme of Scripture plainly declares that the Church is Israel and Israel is the Church," Schaetzel writes, emphasizing the Catholic Church's particular role in this fulfillment.

Schaetzel's essay directly challenges Dispensationalism, a popular eschatological and ecclesiological framework within American Evangelicalism that posits a distinct separation between the Kingdom of Israel and the Church. He labels this separation an "unbiblical teaching," arguing that it creates an "unnecessary bifurcation" of God's plan. He further states, "To the Dispensationalist, this Biblical concept is anathema. They call it 'Replacement Theology,' but I call it Fulfilment Theology!"

The author, known for his writings on Catholic topics and his conversion from Evangelicalism, posits that the modern State of Israel, being a republic, does not align with the biblical understanding of Israel as a kingdom with a Davidic king. He maintains that the true "Kingdom of Israel" is a spiritual entity, fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His Church. This perspective is poised to ignite further discussion among various Christian denominations regarding their understanding of biblical prophecy and identity.