Nigeria, March 14 -- If one were to ask an American evangelical or a Nigerian Christian why their support for Israel is often unwavering and unconditional, the response would likely be identical. Many would point to biblical passages that describe Israel as God's chosen people and conclude that support for the modern state is therefore a religious obligation. Some go further, warning that failure to do so risks inviting divine repercussions.

Should one assume that such convictions are confined to the fringes of Christian thought, that assumption would be mistaken. Ted Cruz, the ranking senator from the state of Texas, stated in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson that his primary goal in the U.S. Senate is to be the strongest defender...