7 Reasons Christians Should Care about Antisemitism

1. Human Dignity and Equality

First and foremost, antisemitism directly contradicts the biblical principle of human dignity and equality, which teaches that all people are made in God’s image. Genesis 1:27 affirms this fundamental truth: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Everyone, regardless of ethnicity or background, possesses inherent worth and dignity to God, which should be true of us.

Antisemitism, which involves prejudice, discrimination, and hostility towards Jewish people, undermines this core biblical principle. By dehumanizing and marginalizing Jews, antisemitism denies an entire people group’s God-given value and equality. Every person reflects God’s image and deserves respect and fair treatment.

Furthermore, Jesus’ teachings reinforce the importance of loving and respecting others. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This commandment extends to all people, including those of different faiths and ethnicities. Antisemitism violates this command by fostering hatred and division instead of love and unity.

Coming to Christ, the Father redeems us to the truth of everyone’s equal value. Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In God’s eyes, all distinctions are secondary to our unity in Christ. Therefore, Christians must reject antisemitism and advocate for all people’s dignity and equality.

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2. Shared Spiritual Heritage

Christianity’s roots are deeply embedded in Jewish tradition, history, and scripture. The Old Testament, integral to the Christian faith, is also the Hebrew Bible, containing the laws, prophecies, and teachings that form the foundation of both religions. God chose the people of Israel through the covenant to reveal himself until the time of the new covenant in Christ, encompassing one redemptive story.

Jesus himself, his disciples, and the early Christian community were Jewish. The New Testament frequently references Jewish customs, festivals, and scriptures, underscoring this shared heritage. For instance, in Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” This statement highlights the continuity between Jewish tradition and Jesus’ teachings, affirming the respect and reverence Christians should have for Judaism.

The Apostle Paul also acknowledges the Jewish people’s significance in God’s plan. In Romans 11:17-18, Paul writes, “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches.” Through the picture of an olive tree, Paul illustrates how Gentile Christians are grafted into the rich spiritual heritage of Israel, urging humility and respect towards Jewish believers.

By recognizing and respecting this shared spiritual heritage, Christians honor the deep connection between the two faiths. Antisemitism, on the other hand, disrespects and disregards this profound bond, fostering division and misunderstanding.

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3. Interfaith Relations

Because of this rich shared heritage, Christians should seek a positive interfaith relationship with Jews. First, we should work toward a peaceful existence with all faiths. Believers can declare Christ’s supremacy and treat their neighbors with love and peace. We should refuse to see any person as an enemy, realizing our own need for God’s grace and how we all have a common spiritual enemy, the Devil.

Second, specifically relating to Jews, positive relationships allow us to learn about the Old Testament from them. By engaging with Jewish perspectives, Christians can gain deeper insights into these shared scriptures and enhance their understanding of our faith. We can uncover layers of meaning that enrich our spiritual lives when we respect and learn from Jewish interpretations and traditions.

Jewish scholarship and traditions offer extensive commentary and interpretation of the Old Testament. Engaging in interfaith dialogue provides us with opportunities to explore these interpretations, fostering a more profound respect for the scriptures. This mutual sharpening through respectful dialogue benefits both faith communities, promoting growth and understanding.

Additionally, Jesus and his disciples were deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and teachings. Understanding these roots helps Christians fully appreciate the context of Jesus’ life and teachings. The apostles and the early church taught the New Covenant from the Old Testament, as we see referenced often in their writings. This historical and cultural context is vital for comprehensively understanding the New Testament.

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4. Countering Hatred and Violence

God is love. Hatred and violence come from our spiritual enemy. Antisemitism comes from such hatred and leads to violence, especially given the historical persecution Jews have faced. The Bible teaches love, compassion, and justice, calling believers against all forms of hatred.

We shouldn’t divorce modern antisemitism from a historical context. Throughout history, Jews have endured severe persecution, from medieval Europe’s pogroms to the Holocaust’s atrocities. These events highlight unchecked antisemitism’s devastating impact. By standing against antisemitism, Christians honor the biblical call to seek justice and protect the oppressed. Micah 6:8 states, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Acting justly involves condemning antisemitism and advocating for Jewish people’s rights and dignity.

The New Testament also emphasizes peace and reconciliation. Romans 12:18 advises, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” God calls Christians peacemakers, actively reducing conflict and promoting understanding between different communities. Addressing antisemitism helps create a more just and harmonious society, reflecting the peace that Christ embodies.

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5. Solidarity with the Oppressed

Christianity is deeply interested in justice, and Christians should stand against antisemitism since it aligns with the biblical mandate to show solidarity with the oppressed. God and Jesus explicitly instruct believers to stand with the poor and oppressed, reflecting God’s heart for all people. In Isaiah 1:17, the Lord commands, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This directive underscores the importance of advocating for those who are marginalized and suffering, including the Jewish community, which has faced persistent persecution throughout history.

Jesus consistently reached out to those marginalized by society, demonstrating love and compassion. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus teaches, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Here, we discover caring for the oppressed means we care for Jesus himself. Antisemitism, which promotes discrimination and violence against Jews, directly contradicts this. Christians are called to actively oppose such hatred and stand with the Jewish community in their struggles.

Additionally, Proverbs 31:8-9 urges believers to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This advocacy extends to all forms of injustice, including antisemitism.

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6. Christian Witness to Love All People

Unfortunately, Christians have played a part in Jewish persecution to various degrees. We should do better. God calls Christians to go beyond not hating or hurting all people, even further than simply tolerating or being nice to them. He desires us to love them, seeking their best in this life and the future. Christians stand against antisemitism to uphold a Christian witness of love.

Jesus commands his followers to love one another, as in John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This call to love is fundamental to Christian identity and witness, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s teachings.

Historically, Christians have been involved in persecuting Jews, from the Crusades to the Inquisition. Sadly, some people within the Christian community were also complicit in the more recent Holocaust. Acknowledging this painful history is essential for genuine repentance and reconciliation. As 1 John 4:20 reminds us, true love for God is reflected in our love and respect for all people, including the Jewish community.

By actively opposing antisemitism, Christians can demonstrate a commitment to justice and healing. Romans 12:9 encourages believers: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” This sincere love requires Christians to stand against any form of hatred or discrimination, including antisemitism.

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7. Shared Future

Many Jews have rejected their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. But the Scripture assures us God will call all nations to himself through the Kingdom Gospel, including Jews. We have a shared spiritual heritage with Israel through Christ and a shared eternal future.

In Romans 11:25-26, Paul speaks of a future where Israel will come to faith in Christ: “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way, all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.’” This passage highlights the hope and expectation that Jews and Christians will ultimately be united in faith.

Recognizing this shared future encourages Christians to foster a relationship of respect and love with the Jewish community. Antisemitism undermines this divine plan by sowing discord and hatred. Instead, we can create a foundation for future reconciliation and unity through our love in the present. Ephesians 2:14-16 states that the divisions between Jew and Gentile have been broken in Christ. By opposing antisemitism, Christians actively work towards breaking down barriers and promoting peace.

Demonstrating love and respect towards Jews aligns with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands his followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Showing genuine care and respect opens doors for meaningful dialogue and witness.

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