Anti-Judaism

Anti-Judaism

Anti-Judaism refers to opposition to or hostility towards Judaism as a religion, rather than hostility towards Jews as an ethnic or racial group. It is important to distinguish anti-Judaism from antisemitism, which is a broader term that encompasses prejudice against Jews as a people.

Historical Context

Ancient World

In the ancient world, anti-Judaism often arose from religious and cultural conflicts. For example, during the Hellenistic period, Jewish customs and laws were sometimes at odds with the dominant Greek culture. The Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BCE) was a response to the imposition of Hellenistic practices on the Jewish population.

Early Christianity

In the early Christian period, anti-Judaism was often theological in nature. Some early Christian texts, such as the Gospel of John, contain passages that have been interpreted as hostile towards Jews. The early Church Fathers, including John Chrysostom and Tertullian, wrote polemics against Judaism, which contributed to a tradition of Christian anti-Judaism.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, anti-Judaism was often linked to accusations of deicide, the belief that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ. This period also saw the rise of blood libel accusations and the portrayal of Jews as usurers, which were used to justify discrimination and violence against Jewish communities.

Theological Anti-Judaism

Theological anti-Judaism is rooted in the belief that Judaism is an obsolete or incomplete religion. This perspective was historically prevalent in Christian theology, which viewed Christianity as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) marked a significant shift in the Catholic Church's stance, with the declaration Nostra Aetate repudiating the charge of deicide and calling for improved relations with Jews.

Modern Anti-Judaism

In the modern era, anti-Judaism has sometimes been overshadowed by racial antisemitism, but it persists in various forms. Some contemporary religious groups continue to promote supersessionist theology, which holds that Christianity has replaced Judaism in God's plan.

Distinction from Antisemitism

While anti-Judaism focuses on religious beliefs and practices, antisemitism encompasses a broader range of prejudices, including racial and ethnic biases. The Holocaust is a stark example of racial antisemitism, where Jews were targeted not for their religious beliefs but for their perceived racial identity.

See Also

• Antisemitism
• Supersessionism
• Nostra Aetate
• Blood libel