‘Til Kingdom Come

‘Til Kingdom Come explores the complex and often surprising relationship between American evangelical Christians and the state of Israel. Directed by Maya Zinshtein, it offers a nuanced examination of the political, religious, and financial ties that bind these two seemingly disparate groups.

The documentary begins in the unlikely setting of Middlesboro, a small, impoverished coal mining town in Kentucky. Here, we meet Pastor Boyd Bingham IV and his father, William Bingham III, who lead the Binghamtown Baptist Church. Despite the economic hardships faced by their congregation, the Binghams are fervent supporters of Israel, encouraging their flock to donate generously to Israeli causes.

Zinshtein skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, connecting the grassroots efforts of rural American churches to the corridors of power in Washington D.C. and Jerusalem. The film highlights the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), an organization that channels millions of dollars from evangelical donors to various projects in Israel. Yael Eckstein, the president of IFCJ, emerges as a key figure, bridging the gap between American Christian donors and Israeli beneficiaries.

The documentary addresses the ideological underpinnings of this alliance. It explores the belief held by many evangelicals that supporting Israel is crucial to hastening the Second Coming of Christ, a theological stance that paradoxically predicts the conversion or demise of Jews in the end times. This creates a complex dynamic where Israeli leaders and organizations welcome evangelical support while privately disagreeing with their theology.

‘Til Kingdom Come also delves into the political ramifications of this relationship. It draws connections between evangelical support for Israel and significant policy decisions, such as the Trump administration’s move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. It features footage from high-profile events, including fundraisers for the Israeli military attended by Hollywood celebrities and influential political donors.

Throughout, Zinshtein maintains a balanced approach, allowing various perspectives to be heard. She includes interviews with Palestinian Christian leaders who offer a counterpoint to the dominant narrative, highlighting the impact of these policies on Palestinian communities. The film also touches on the internal debates within Israeli society about the wisdom of aligning so closely with evangelical groups.

One of its strengths is its ability to humanize its subjects while still critically examining their beliefs and actions. The Binghams, for instance, are portrayed as sincere in their convictions, even as the piece questions the broader implications of their ideology. This nuanced approach allows viewers to grapple with the complexities of the situation without resorting to simplistic judgments.

By the end, viewers are left with a deeper understanding of the intricate web of relationships that shape U.S. policy towards Israel and the Middle East.