This is the 19th part of a series on Christianity and the history of antisemitism. While we are often reminded to “Never forget,” many of us were never taught this history.

Christian Antisemitism in the Digital Age: Social Media, Conspiracies, and Christian Nationalism

Introduction: The Resurgence of Antisemitism in the Digital Era

In the 21st century, social media and online platforms have revolutionized how information spreads. While this has enabled greater interfaith dialogue and understanding, it has also amplified antisemitic conspiracy theories, many of which stem from centuries-old Christian narratives.

Christian nationalism—a political ideology that fuses Christianity with national identity—has played a significant role in reviving antisemitic ideas online. In digital spaces, far-right Christian influencers, religious extremists, and conspiracy theorists use biblical imagery, historical prejudices, and modern grievances to justify hostility toward Jews.

This essay explores how Christian antisemitism has adapted in the digital age, examining how social media, online conspiracy theories, and Christian nationalism continue to spread old prejudices in new forms.

I. The Digital Amplification of Christian Antisemitic Tropes

A. Social Media and the Spread of Antisemitic Conspiracies

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok have become breeding grounds for antisemitic content, often disguised as political or theological discourse.

• Algorithms prioritize engagement, not accuracy, leading users down rabbit holes of antisemitic content.
• Anonymous accounts and echo chambers allow conspiracy theorists to spread falsehoods without accountability.
• Christian fundamentalist and nationalist groups exploit these platforms to revive medieval antisemitic myths (e.g., the “Christ-killer” accusation, blood libel).

B. How Christian Conspiracy Theories Target Jews

Many antisemitic conspiracies borrow from Christian eschatology (end-times theology) and economic myths:

• The “Globalist Elite” Narrative
  • Echoes medieval Christian claims that Jews manipulate the world.
  • Modern conspiracies blame Jewish figures like George Soros or the Rothschilds for controlling governments, banks, and media.
• The “Antichrist” Narrative
  • Some Christian groups spread claims that the Antichrist will be Jewish, fueling end-times paranoia.
  • Jewish politicians or business leaders are accused of being part of a Satanic agenda.
• The “Deep State” and QAnon Connections
  • Many QAnon adherents blend Christian imagery with antisemitic tropes, reviving “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” myths.
  • Jews are falsely accused of orchestrating wars, financial crashes, and moral corruption.

These conspiracies weaponize religious language to justify modern antisemitism, often drawing upon Christian nationalist ideals.

II. Christian Nationalism and Online Antisemitism

A. The Rise of Christian Nationalist Movements

Christian nationalism fuses Christianity with political and national identity, often casting Jews as threats to Christian civilization.

• In the U.S., Christian nationalists claim that America was founded as a Christian nation and that Jewish influence has led to its decline.
• In Europe, far-right Christian groups accuse Jews of destroying Christian values through secularism, multiculturalism, and globalization.
• In Russia, Orthodox Christian nationalists push antisemitic propaganda that links Jews to Western corruption and moral decay.

B. Christian Nationalist Narratives on Social Media

Online platforms have enabled Christian nationalist movements to spread antisemitic ideas in coded ways.

• “Judeo-Bolshevism” Myth: Claims that Jews orchestrated communism to destroy Christianity.
• “Great Replacement Theory”: A conspiracy that Jews are behind mass immigration to replace white Christians.
• “War Against Christianity”: Portrays Jews as responsible for removing Christian symbols from public spaces and promoting liberal social policies.

These narratives blur the line between political and theological discourse, leading some Christians to embrace far-right antisemitic ideologies.

III. The Role of Online Christian Influencers and Preachers

A. Digital Evangelists and the Spread of Antisemitism

Many Christian preachers and social media influencers use biblical rhetoric to spread antisemitic conspiracy theories, sometimes without realizing it.

• Evangelical pastors with large online followings mix end-times prophecy with political fear-mongering, blaming Jews for global crises.
• YouTube and TikTok preachers use clips from scripture to frame Jews as enemies of Christ.
• Twitter (X) and Telegram influencers push antisemitic ideas while claiming to defend Christian values.

B. The Coded Language of Digital Antisemitism

To avoid being banned from social media, Christian nationalist groups use coded language:

• “Globalists” (used as a stand-in for Jewish elites).
• “Cabal” (echoing antisemitic secret society myths).
• “New World Order” (linked to Jewish control theories).

By using vague yet familiar terms, they spread antisemitism without triggering content moderation policies.

IV. Countering Christian Antisemitism in the Digital Age

A. The Role of Christian Leaders and Theologians

To combat online antisemitism, Christian leaders must take a proactive role:

• Denounce antisemitic interpretations of scripture.
• Teach accurate Jewish-Christian history to dismantle supersessionist theology.
• Challenge conspiracy theories in churches and Christian media spaces.

B. Fact-Checking and Digital Literacy

Church communities and faith-based institutions must teach digital literacy to recognize false narratives and coded antisemitism.

• Promote resources that debunk Christian nationalist myths.
• Encourage interfaith collaboration to create stronger Christian-Jewish alliances.
• Train pastors and lay leaders to address antisemitism when it appears in their congregations.

Conclusion: The Battle for Truth in Christian Spaces Online

Christian antisemitism has evolved, but the digital age has breathed new life into ancient prejudices.

• Social media has amplified conspiracies, allowing Christian nationalist movements to thrive.
• Online Christian influencers and preachers unknowingly (or deliberately) spread antisemitic rhetoric under the guise of religious prophecy.
• To combat this, Christian communities must actively reject antisemitic interpretations and promote historical accuracy and interfaith solidarity.

As antisemitism continues to grow in digital spaces, Christians have a responsibility to confront it within their own traditions. Only by challenging false narratives, rejecting conspiracy theories, and embracing theological truth can Christianity move beyond its historical complicity in antisemitism.