Antisemitism in the Church
Much antisemitism in the Church has been inspired by a misreading of the writings of Paul (particularly in relation to Jewish and Gentile customs).1
Christians should not remain silent in the face of antisemitism. True Christians speak up (or at least try to do something), even if they are afraid of what others might think, say, or do.
“To try to be brave is to be brave.” ~ George MacDonald
The wicked want the good to remain silent. They don’t want anyone to publicly condemn their behaviour. If their behaviour is not challenged, they are far more likely to continue with—and get away with—their crimes.
True Christians call out antisemitism when they see it. They are marked by love. True Christians show kindness to all people. And because they are kind, they are fair-minded. They consider carefully what Jewish people have to say (especially when they have been the victims of a crime. See the film Screams Before Silence).
Unfortunately, many who claim to be Christians are neither kind, fair-minded, or courageous. They are rude and hostile toward Jews. (An example of this is how the words “Christ is King” are sometimes used as an antisemitic trope. In an interview on Triggernometry, Andrew Klavan (a Messianic Jew) explains how those words are used by antisemites.)
I recently came across someone who claimed to be a committed Christian who has a deep hatred of the Jews. He believes God is finished with the Jews.
I shared what he quoted—and misquoted—from the Talmud (and elsewhere) with Mark Durie. The following is Mark's response (used with permission).2
Is God finished with the Jews? This is a video all Christians should watch.
There has also been a large increase in antisemitism at universities (particularly in America, see 'How Jewish Students Are Being Terrorized on Campus w/ Shai Davidai | The Quad' on YouTube).
1. See ‘Tertium Genus or Dyadic Unity? Investigating Sociopolitical Salvation in Ephesians’ by Andrew R Rillera. See also Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus’s Death by the same author and Beyond Justification: Liberating Paul's Gospel by Douglas Campbell and Jon DePue.
Much persecution has also been inspired by a particular view about the nature and duration of Hell. See "A Legacy of Fear and Persecution" in The Inescapable Love of God by Thomas Talbott.
2. What Juan posted in April 2024 is so vile that I will not share it here. (If you look hard enough online you will find it.)
Bible Project: Does the Church Supersede Israel?
Antisemitism vs. Islamophobia: Which Is Worse?
ICC Threatening to Issue Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu | Caroline Glick's In-Focus
The Left’s Addiction to anti-Zionism | The Caroline Glick Show