Why Christians Cannot Support the Creation of a Third Temple in Jerusalem

Gary Taphorn has penned a long and fascinating article at LifeSiteNews: “Christians cannot support the creation of a third temple in Jerusalem. Here’s why.” 

There are very grave theological reasons for not supporting this Zionist effort, which, if it succeeds (and some say it cannot, but that is not certain), will provide the seat of the Antichrist.

Here is an AI-generated summary of the article’s contents.¹

• The article argues that Christians should not support the construction of a third temple in Jerusalem, as it contradicts Christian theology and the teachings of Christ.
• Historically, the first and second temples (Solomon’s and Herod’s) were central to Jewish worship, but their destruction marked a shift in salvation history.
• Jesus redefined the concept of the temple, emphasizing worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:20-23) and establishing the mystical body of Christ (the Catholic Church) as the new temple, where God dwells within believers.
• The article critiques the idea of rebuilding the temple, which would reinstate Mosaic laws and animal sacrifices, as a rejection of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on Calvary.
• Christian Zionism, which emerged in the 19th century, is criticized for supporting the third temple despite its theological contradictions, including the reintroduction of Old Testament rituals like the slaying of a red heifer.
• The destruction of Herod’s temple in 70 AD by the Romans fulfilled Christ’s prophecy and symbolized the end of the physical temple’s role in salvation history.
• The Blessed Virgin Mary is presented as a spiritual temple, housing Christ sacramentally after His Ascension and interceding for the Church. This highlights the transition from the physical temple to the spiritual reality of the Church as the mystical body of Christ.
• Efforts to rebuild the temple today, driven by Zionist and ultra-orthodox Jewish groups, risk political and religious conflict, particularly on the Temple Mount, which is currently occupied by Muslim structures.
• The article concludes that the construction of a third temple would be an affront to heaven, rejecting the redemption offered by Christ and undermining the spiritual nature of the Church as the true temple of God.

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