Samuel Goldman Challenges Tucker Carlson's "Brain Virus" Characterization of Christian Zionism

Political scientist Samuel Goldman has published an article refuting Tucker Carlson's recent statements on Christian Zionism, arguing that Carlson's portrayal of the movement as a "brain virus" or an "alien infection" misrepresents its deep historical roots and diverse manifestations in American culture. Matthew Schmitz, in a recent tweet, highlighted this piece, stating, "Tucker Carlson Is Wrong About Christian Zionism. Important piece by @SWGoldman."

Goldman's article, titled "Tucker Carlson Is Wrong About Christian Zionism" and published in Compact Magazine on October 31, 2025, directly addresses Carlson's inquiries about the phenomenon. Carlson had questioned the motivations of Christian Zionists, remarking, "They’re not Jewish, most of them are self-described Christians. They’re Christian Zionists. Like, what is that?" He also previously described Christian Zionism as a "brain virus."

The piece by Goldman contends that attributing American foreign policy or Christian support for Israel solely to "dispensational" eschatology, often associated with figures like C.I. Scofield, is an oversimplification. Goldman asserts, "The history of Christian Zionism in America is far longer and more various." He traces its origins to 16th-century Europe and the Puritans, who brought these ideas to the New World, envisioning a form of Zionism centuries before the modern organized movement.

Goldman highlights that early American leaders, including former President John Adams, expressed hopes for Jewish "restoration" and political autonomy in Judea. He notes that for much of the 20th century, liberal Protestants were prominent supporters of Israel, driven by political, moral, and religious bonds rather than solely end-times prophecies. The article suggests that Christian Zionism is not a recent or foreign concept but has been an integral part of American thought since British settlement.