This is the eight part in 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. The goal is to help us recognize when the church uses its power to harm marginalized groups—and to take action.

Christian antisemitism has taken many forms across different regions and historical periods. While often associated with medieval Europe and Nazi Germany, antisemitic beliefs and policies influenced by Christian theology have been present in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

This revised essay excludes the United States and expands on Christian antisemitism in the Middle East and Latin America, while incorporating Africa and Asia into the discussion.

1. Christianity and Antisemitism in the Middle East

While modern antisemitism in the Middle East is often linked to Islamic groups and Arab nationalism, Christian antisemitism was historically a major force in the region, particularly through the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades, and European colonialism.

A. Byzantine Empire (4th-15th centuries)

After Christianity became the dominant religion of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, antisemitic policies were institutionalized:

• Theodosian Code (438 CE): Jews were banned from holding public office and faced restrictions on religious practice.
• Forced conversions: Emperor Justinian (527-565) enacted laws banning Jewish religious traditions, including Hebrew scripture readings.
• Jews were blamed for plagues, fires, and military defeats, reinforcing their marginalization and persecution.

B. Crusader Violence (11th-13th centuries)

• First Crusade (1099): Upon capturing Jerusalem, Crusaders massacred both Jews and Muslims indiscriminately.
• Later Crusades continued to expel and forcibly convert Jews in the region.
• Antisemitic justifications included the belief that Jews were “infidels” who rejected Christ.

C. Christian Arab Antisemitism (19th-20th centuries)

European colonial influences spread Christian-inspired antisemitic literature, such as The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, throughout the region.

• Some Christian Arab nationalist leaders adopted European-style antisemitic rhetoric.
• Michel Aflaq, a Christian co-founder of the Ba’ath Party (which ruled Iraq and Syria), was accused of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories.

D. Christian Communities and Modern Israel

• Many Middle Eastern Christians opposed Jewish settlement in Palestine, often aligning with Arab nationalist movements.
• However, some evangelical Protestants supported Zionism, believing Jewish control over Israel would fulfill biblical prophecy.
• Lebanese Maronite Christians and Israeli Alliances: During the Lebanese Civil War, some Maronite Christian militias allied with Israel, while others opposed it.

2. Christianity and Antisemitism in Latin America

Latin America inherited Spanish and Portuguese antisemitism from colonial rule, and Christian-influenced anti-Jewish sentiment persisted even after independence.

A. Colonial Period (16th-19th centuries)

• The Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions extended to Mexico, Peru, and Brazil, persecuting Jewish converts (Conversos) suspected of secretly practicing Judaism.
• Crypto-Jews (Marranos) were hunted and executed, even after converting to Christianity.
• Jewish communities were banned from practicing openly until Brazil (19th century) and Argentina (1860s) allowed Jewish immigration.

B. Christian Nationalism and Antisemitism (20th century)

• Argentina under Juan Perón (1946-1955):
  • His regime had ties to Nazi fugitives and Catholic nationalist groups hostile to Jews.
• Brazil’s Integralist Movement (1930s-1940s):
  • A Catholic fascist group that blamed Jews for economic and social problems.

C. Modern-Day Christian Antisemitism

• Some evangelical groups support Israel due to theological reasons, particularly in Brazil.
• Other Christian movements promote supersessionist theology, reinforcing the idea that Jews were spiritually replaced by Christians.

3. Christianity and Antisemitism in Africa

Christianity was introduced to Africa through European colonialism, bringing European-style antisemitic beliefs and policies to the continent.

A. Colonial-Era Christian Antisemitism

• European missionaries and colonial rulers often imported Christian antisemitic stereotypes, portraying Jews as Christ-killers and cursed people.
• Christian theology was used to justify European dominance, and Jews were often portrayed as global conspirators, controlling finance and undermining morality.

B. Christian Antisemitism in North Africa

• In Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, where French and Spanish colonial rule dominated, Christian antisemitic attitudes influenced local laws and discrimination against Jews.
• French Christian missionaries opposed Jewish emancipation, fearing Jewish integration into colonial society.

C. Christian Zionism in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Many African evangelical churches have adopted Christian Zionism, often portraying Israel’s existence as a divine fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
• However, this support sometimes reinforces antisemitic narratives, suggesting that Jews must convert to Christianity or perish in the End Times.

4. Christianity and Antisemitism in Asia

Christian antisemitism in Asia has been less direct than in Europe but has still existed in missionary movements, colonial policies, and conspiracy theories.

A. Colonial Christianity and Antisemitism

• European Christian missionaries in India, China, and Japan often carried antisemitic attitudes, linking Jews to global conspiracies.
• Some Christian missionaries discouraged Jewish settlements in British-controlled parts of Asia, fearing Jewish influence.

B. Antisemitic Christian Conspiracy Theories in Asia

• In Japan and South Korea, some Christian nationalist groups have spread antisemitic conspiracy theories, often influenced by Western Christian literature.
• “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” was translated and circulated by some Christian groups in China and Korea, influencing right-wing nationalist movements.

C. Christian Zionism in Asia

• Some South Korean evangelical churches are among the strongest supporters of Christian Zionism, sending missionaries to convert Jews in Israel.
• However, this support is often conditional, based on the belief that Jews must accept Jesus for the Second Coming to occur.

5. Conclusion: A Global History of Christian Antisemitism

Christian antisemitism has not been limited to Europe or Nazi Germany—it has existed worldwide, taking different forms across historical and cultural contexts.

• Middle East: Byzantine laws, Crusader massacres, and Arab Christian nationalism contributed to Jewish persecution.
• Latin America: Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions, Catholic nationalist movements, and Christian Zionism influenced antisemitic policies.
• Africa: European colonialism and missionary activity spread Christian antisemitic beliefs.
• Asia: Missionary movements and Christian conspiracy theories contributed to antisemitic rhetoric.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Christian antisemitism as a global phenomenon is essential to recognizing its deep historical roots and ongoing impact. While some Christian movements have sought reconciliation with Jewish communities, others continue to promote theological frameworks that marginalize and instrumentalize Jews.