Podcast Summary: “The Rise of Antisemitism in Christian and Conservative Circles”
Cornerstone Chapel - Audio Podcast
Date: January 21, 2026
Running time: ~1 hour, 13 minutes
Overview
In a timely and candid panel discussion, Cornerstone Chapel’s pastor and his distinguished guests confront the increasing tide of antisemitism, particularly as it appears within Christian and conservative circles. Grounded in both biblical teaching and contemporary events, the episode explores the spiritual, historical, and sociopolitical roots of antisemitism, addresses misconceptions around Israel and the Jewish people, and challenges narratives spread by some popular conservative voices. With clarity and empathy, the speakers urge discernment, biblical fidelity, and moral courage in recognizing and countering hatred against Jews.
Guests:
- Rob McCoy (Senior Pastor, Godspeed Calvary Chapel; political leader; Turning Point USA affiliate)
- Sammy Smaja (Regional Director, Trinity Broadcasting Network/Middle East; Messianic pastor)
- Bob McEwen (Former six-term Congressman, Ohio; Executive Director, Council on National Policy)
Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. Setting the Stage: Why Address Antisemitism Now?
[00:09 – 08:21]
- Host explains pastoral responsibility to “keep eye on Jesus, nose in the Bible, and ear to the ground.”
- Antisemitism is rapidly rising; Anti-Defamation League reports incidents up 344% in five years, 893% in a decade.
- Differentiates criticism of Israeli policy from antisemitism:
“Simply being opposed to some policies of the Israeli government does not make you anti-Semitic any more than being opposed to some of the policies of the United States would make you unpatriotic.” – Host [01:26]
- Frames antisemitism as not only delusional but “demonic,” citing Revelation and John’s gospel.
- Raises concern over prominent Christian and conservative voices (Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson) sowing division and, in his view, propagating dangerous misinformation about Jews and Israel.
- Calls for listeners’ allegiance to Christ and scripture, not personalities:
“If your allegiance is to a person like Candace or Tucker or myself for that matter, more than it is to Jesus, then you will always be open to deception and misinformation.” – Host [07:11]
2. Panel Introductions and Transparency
[08:22 – 16:06]
- Comprehensive introductions of Rob McCoy, Sammy Smaja, and Bob McEwen, highlighting their experience in ministry, Israel relations, and public service.
- Rob McCoy addresses allegations of shielding a convicted pedophile during his pastoral tenure, providing context and refuting claims, emphasizing Christian belief in redemption and accountability.
“I’m a minister, and we believe that God can change people. And so in 33 years of ministry, that’s the best you’ve got?” – Rob McCoy [14:33]
3. Defining Antisemitism and Zionism
[16:06 – 19:47]
- Sammy Smaja explains antisemitism as targeting Jews—whether by opposing their existence, their right to their homeland, or blaming them as a collective. He equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism:
“It’s the same thing, just using two different words.” – Sammy Smaja [16:59]
- Zionism defined as biblical—and prophetic—belief in the Jewish right to return to and inhabit the land of Israel.
“Zionism simply means the belief that the Jewish people have the right to return to their ancient homeland given to them by God and have a nation there.” – Jonathan Cahn (clip) [18:31]
4. Why Should Christians & America Support Israel?
[19:53 – 25:16]
- Bob McEwen argues spiritual and historical alignment:
“People who are anti-Israel are anti-American, and they’re anti everything that we stand for… Because it’s a spiritual battle.” – Bob McEwen [20:56]
- Host highlights the doctrine of “chosen people,” challenging Tucker Carlson’s assertion that Jews are no longer chosen post-Christ and exposing “replacement theology” (the view that the Church replaced Israel in God’s promises).
Notable Quotes:
- “Christianity has its roots in Judaism… Our Messiah is Jewish. And to deny that is what happened in, in the early part of the church history with Constantine.” – Rob McCoy [25:53]
- “When did Israel stop being Israel? When in history?” – Sammy Smaja [28:32]
- “The faithfulness of God to the Jewish people glorifies the name of God.” – Sammy Smaja [30:29]
5. Deconstructing Replacement Theology & Misconceptions
[26:53 – 35:27]
- Detailed biblical arguments against the notion that God’s covenant with Israel is obsolete.
- Emphasizes both permanence of God’s promise and salvation through Christ alone (“Jews don’t get a free pass”).
- Critiques misinterpretation of Paul’s writings regarding “all Israel will be saved.”
6. Modern Antisemitic Rhetoric and Influencers
[35:54 – 45:57]
- Host plays clips of Candace Owens attacking Israel, describing it as “demonic”; her rhetoric is critiqued as irrational, inflammatory, and deeply antisemitic by the panel.
“I would literally rather saw off my own foot than support Israel ever again. By the way, never supporting that demonic nation ever again… you dehumanized yourself.” – Candace Owens (clip) [36:14]
- Rob McCoy and Sammy Smaja analyze the spiritual roots of both love and hate toward Israel:
“I believe the hate towards Israel—and when we talk about antisemitism—I believe it’s a spiritual thing… a supernatural hate that comes from the pit of hell.” – Sammy Smaja [39:58]
- Montage of clips featuring Candace Owens perpetuating conspiracy theories about Jews and Israel, contrasted with counterpoints from Charlie Kirk and Tucker Carlson, highlighting the irrationality and danger of scapegoating an entire people group.
7. Perspective on Israel’s Size, Impact, and Accusations
[45:57 – 49:08]
- Bob McEwen contextualizes the world Jewish population (“15 million in total”), pointing out the absurdity and malevolence in blaming so few for global woes.
“The idea that you blame the entire world on a handful of people, it has to be seen as—That’s demonic.” – Bob McEwen [46:32]
8. The October 7 Massacre & Israel’s Response
[47:29 – 61:22]
- Host details horror and proportional impact of October 7th attacks by Hamas (1,216 Israelis killed, equivalent of 60,000 Americans).
- Panel shows and discusses PragerU video on why Israel matters to America: geopolitics, regional stability, military value, intelligence, and moral responsibility.
- Host and guests strongly defend Israel’s military response as justified and measured compared to the aggression and atrocities of Hamas, and highlight the long history of rocket attacks on Israel post-2005 Gaza withdrawal.
“They [Hamas] hate Israel more than they love their own children. That’s a sad, sad thing.” – Sammy Smaja [59:31]
9. Speaking to the Next Generation: Why Defend Israel?
[61:36 – 66:52]
- Host shares a powerful video (“moderate case guy”) urging empathy:
“It’s easy to stay quiet when it’s not your community or your symbols that are being burned or attacked… The Jewish community globally is 0.2% of the population… Not the oldest hatred because it’s been consistently rooted in truth, but because it has never died.” – Moderate case guy (clip) [62:02]
- Rob McCoy critiques the role of “profitable outrage” in the social media era, warning against being seduced by populist or divisive narratives.
10. Broader Voices & Final Reflections
[66:52 – 71:29]
- Clips of diverse voices (Bill Maher, Van Jones) acknowledging the unique and persistent vulnerability of Jews:
“There are only 15 million Jews left in the whole world… The idea that the west should abandon them to their fate after three, we already ran a three-thousand year experiment where Jews did not have a state. And it ended with Hitler’s hell and Hitler’s ovens. We are not going to run that experiment again.” – Van Jones (clip) [67:33]
- Host invokes Martin Niemöller’s poem, pressing the moral necessity of speaking for the persecuted, “lest there’s no one left to speak for me.”
- Program concludes with prayer in Hebrew and English for Israel and all present.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- “Simply being opposed to some policies of the Israeli government does not make you anti-Semitic any more than being opposed to some of the policies of the United States would make you unpatriotic.” – Host [01:26]
- “If your allegiance is to a person like Candace or Tucker or myself for that matter, more than it is to Jesus, then you will always be open to deception and misinformation.” – Host [07:11]
- “He’s not done with Israel. He’s not done with the Jewish people.” – Host [69:42]
- “I believe the hate toward Israel… is a spiritual thing. It’s a supernatural hate that comes from the pit of hell.” – Sammy Smaja [39:58]
- “There are only 15 million Jews left in the whole world… The idea that the west should abandon them to their fate… we are not going to run that experiment again.” – Van Jones (clip) [67:33]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Setting the stage/Host’s rationale: 00:09 – 08:21
- Panelist bios and addressing controversy: 08:22 – 16:06
- Defining antisemitism and Zionism: 16:06 – 19:47
- US/Christian support for Israel: 19:53 – 25:16
- Replacement theology/deconstructing antisemitic theologies: 25:16 – 35:27
- Candace Owens/Tucker Carlson critique: 35:54 – 45:57
- Jewish demographics/context: 45:57 – 49:08
- October 7th & military response: 47:29 – 61:22
- Empathy and the necessity to speak out: 61:36 – 66:52
- Closing reflections, poem, prayer: 66:52 – end
Conclusion
Through scripture, history, and clear-eyed engagement with modern controversies, the panel calls Christians and conservatives back to moral clarity, scriptural faithfulness, and solidarity with the Jewish people. They distinguish legitimate critique of policy from hatred, expose the spiritual and conspiratorial roots of antisemitism, and caution against false equivalencies and popular voices who would mislead the faithful. The episode is a compelling call to stand against the world’s oldest hatred, rooted in both reason and revelation.