Christianity vs Judaism: Christian Anti-Semitism, Persecution of Jews
The relationship between Christianity and Judaism has traditionally been very poor. Over the past two millennia, Christians have engaged in or supported persistent, hateful anti-Semitism which has seen the death and suffering of millions of Jews in Europe and beyond. Christian Antisemitism and anti-Judaism can be traced back to the earliest days of Christianity, culminating in the Nazi Holocaust of the 20th century. Is Christianity inherently anti-Semitic?
Christian Anti-Semitism in Post-Nazi Germany
Just about everyone is aware of the deep and destructive anti-Semitism which characterized Nazi Germany. Many forget the deep and destructive involvement of German Christians in this anti-Semitism - including the Holocaust. One might imagine that after the truth about what happened was revealed, Christians would have repented; unfortunately, things didn't work out quite that well.
Just about everyone is aware of the deep and destructive anti-Semitism which characterized Nazi Germany. Many forget the deep and destructive involvement of German Christians in this anti-Semitism - including the Holocaust. One might imagine that after the truth about what happened was revealed, Christians would have repented; unfortunately, things didn't work out quite that well.
Kinder, Gentler Contempt of Jews
American Christians today have rejected the overt, bigoted anti-Semitism that characterized Christianity of the past. They no longer conspire to keep Jews out of housing, jobs, universities, and other places in society. This bigotry has not been entirely replaced by acceptance, though - it has been replaced in many ways by a quieter contempt.
American Christians today have rejected the overt, bigoted anti-Semitism that characterized Christianity of the past. They no longer conspire to keep Jews out of housing, jobs, universities, and other places in society. This bigotry has not been entirely replaced by acceptance, though - it has been replaced in many ways by a quieter contempt.
Auschwitz, Anti-Semitism, and Modern Christianity
"After Auschwitz the mission of reconciliation and acceptance permits no deferral. Even if we know that Auschwitz is the gruesome expression of an ideology at not only wanted to destroy Judaism but also hated and sought to eradicate from Christianity its Jewish heritage, the question remains..."
"After Auschwitz the mission of reconciliation and acceptance permits no deferral. Even if we know that Auschwitz is the gruesome expression of an ideology at not only wanted to destroy Judaism but also hated and sought to eradicate from Christianity its Jewish heritage, the question remains..."
Relationship Between Catholicism and Nazism in Germany
A popular image of the Nazis is that they were fundamentally anti-Christian while devout Christians were anti-Nazi. The truth, however, is far more complicated because there were many issues on which Nazis and religious conservatives found common ground. Like any politician, Hitler was able to use these to his advantage
A popular image of the Nazis is that they were fundamentally anti-Christian while devout Christians were anti-Nazi. The truth, however, is far more complicated because there were many issues on which Nazis and religious conservatives found common ground. Like any politician, Hitler was able to use these to his advantage
Holocaust Theology for Christians & Jews
The Holocaust is one of the central, defining events of the twentieth century. It's also a defining event for both modern Judaism and Christianity - but while Jews realize this, Christians don't seem to. Some professional theologians do work related to the Holocaust, but for most believers it doesn't appear to have intruded on their thinking.
The Holocaust is one of the central, defining events of the twentieth century. It's also a defining event for both modern Judaism and Christianity - but while Jews realize this, Christians don't seem to. Some professional theologians do work related to the Holocaust, but for most believers it doesn't appear to have intruded on their thinking.
Christian Disinterest in the Holocaust
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in people's interest in the Holocaust: there are a large number of books, movies, and documentaries available for consumption. Interest in learning about the Holocaust has not, however, translated into an interest in learning from the Holocaust and remembering all those who died in it.
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in people's interest in the Holocaust: there are a large number of books, movies, and documentaries available for consumption. Interest in learning about the Holocaust has not, however, translated into an interest in learning from the Holocaust and remembering all those who died in it.
The Lessons of Nazi Germany for Christianity
The actions of Nazi Germany appear to contain important lessons for humanity about the use and abuse of power, the insidious nature of hatred and fear, and of course the importance of democratic institutions in protecting us from the whims of authoritarian impulses. Not everyone learns the same lessons, though.
The actions of Nazi Germany appear to contain important lessons for humanity about the use and abuse of power, the insidious nature of hatred and fear, and of course the importance of democratic institutions in protecting us from the whims of authoritarian impulses. Not everyone learns the same lessons, though.
The Catholic Church in Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany was responsible for some of the most horrific acts of the twentieth century, if not of all human history. Germany was at the time a very Christian nation with large numbers of both Protestants and Catholics. How did they reconcile their religion with Nazism? How did the churches go along with the Nazi government?
Nazi Germany was responsible for some of the most horrific acts of the twentieth century, if not of all human history. Germany was at the time a very Christian nation with large numbers of both Protestants and Catholics. How did they reconcile their religion with Nazism? How did the churches go along with the Nazi government?
Anti-Semitism as a Reaction to the Holocaust
In the past, anti-Semitism was a product of many different religious and social forces. Anti-Semitism in Europe today, though, appears to have a different source: it may be in part a reaction to the Holocaust, the ultimate and monstrous product of past anti-Semitism. How is this possible?
In the past, anti-Semitism was a product of many different religious and social forces. Anti-Semitism in Europe today, though, appears to have a different source: it may be in part a reaction to the Holocaust, the ultimate and monstrous product of past anti-Semitism. How is this possible?
Homophobia & Anti-Semitism as Fear of Modernity
The Christian Right vilifies homosexuality to an exceptional degree. It's not imply that Christians disagree with certain aspects of gay rights or regard homosexuality as a sin - that wouldn't explain why the invest homosexuality and gay rights with the responsibility for all that is wrong with America.
The Christian Right vilifies homosexuality to an exceptional degree. It's not imply that Christians disagree with certain aspects of gay rights or regard homosexuality as a sin - that wouldn't explain why the invest homosexuality and gay rights with the responsibility for all that is wrong with America.