Jesus Was Racist! Per Candace Owens’ Logic

Understanding Context: Defending the Lubavitcher Rebbe Against Claims of Racism

Recently, Candace Owens, a prominent public figure, criticized the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, accusing him of racism. Such accusations are not only misleading but also demonstrate a lack of understanding of the Rebbe’s teachings and the broader context of religious discourse. To put this criticism into perspective, let’s explore how context is crucial when interpreting religious statements.

The Power of Context: Jesus’ Words to the Canaanite Woman

To illustrate the importance of context, let’s look at a well-known incident from the New Testament. When a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, asking him to heal her daughter, his initial response was, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). On the surface, this statement seems harsh and dismissive. If taken out of context, it could be seen as discriminatory, reflecting a limited mission only to the Jewish people. Hence, by Candace Owens’ logic, Jesus would be deemed a racist and supremacist.”

Of course, she would likely rebut that Jesus’s words are being taken out of context, citing Christian teachings that interpret this exchange as a test of faith. Jesus ultimately praises the woman’s faith and heals her daughter, demonstrating that his mission transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. And that this story shows that Jesus’ teachings were inclusive and compassionate, even when his initial words appeared otherwise.

Applying the Same Standard to the Lubavitcher Rebbe: A Call for Fair-Mindedness

So, if Candace wishes to be intellectually honest, scholarly, fair-minded, and just, she should apply the same standard.

If Candace Owens and others argue that Jesus’ words should be viewed in their proper context, then it is only fair that the same standard be applied to the Rebbe. Dismissing the Rebbe as racist without understanding the broader theological and historical context of his statements is not only unfair but also ignores the profound message of respect, dignity, and shared responsibility that underpinned his teachings.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe was a religious leader who spoke from within a specific cultural and theological context. The Rebbe frequently emphasized the distinction between the Jewish people, who are bound by the Sinaitic covenant, and non-Jews, who are bound by the Noahide covenant—a set of universal moral laws given to all of humanity. These teachings were never about superiority; rather, they articulated a vision of humanity’s shared responsibility to create a moral world.

The Rebbe’s teachings aimed to uplift and inspire all people to fulfill their unique roles. The Rebbe often spoke of the divine image present in every human being, regardless of background, and his life’s work was dedicated to spreading kindness, morality, and goodness to all.

The Rebbe’s Inclusivity: Welcoming and Blessing All People

Far from being racist, the Rebbe’s actions consistently demonstrated a deep respect for non-Jews. Countless videos and testimonies show the Rebbe blessing, guiding, and helping people of all backgrounds, including non-Jews. A supremacist would not be welcoming and blessing people different from him. He saw all human beings as partners in a divine mission to improve the world, and his focus on the Noahide laws was a call for universal ethical living, not exclusion.

Moreover, the Rebbe’s teachings reflect Judaism’s long-standing tradition of welcoming converts and embracing those who wish to join the Jewish people, while not proselyting.  The Jewish narrative is rooted in inclusivity, beginning with its founders: Abraham and Sarah, the first Jews, were themselves converts from a non-Jewish background. Before the revelation at Mount Sinai, the entire nation was not yet Jewish; it was through the covenant at Sinai that the Jewish people officially became a distinct nation in body and spirit. Nevertheless, the Jewish nation is fundamentally based on conversion, and anyone can convert and become fully Jewish, sharing in the covenant and responsibilities. This inclusivity is a pillar of Judaism, demonstrating that the nation of Israel is a community based on shared values and commitments. but it is neither racist nor supremacist.

The Rebbe believed deeply in the potential of every person to contribute to a better world. He often said that Jews and non-Jews alike have a role in God’s plan, and he worked tirelessly to inspire people to live up to their highest ethical and moral potential.

Conclusion: Understanding the Bigger Picture

To single out specific statements without considering the broader mission and message is to miss the profound inclusivity at the heart of their teachings. The Rebbe’s legacy is one of compassion, outreach, and a commitment to the betterment of all humanity—values that stand in stark contrast to the accusations of racism.

It is essential to approach religious teachings with nuance, understanding, and a willingness to see the bigger picture. By doing so, we honor the true message of these leaders: a message of hope, moral responsibility, and the shared divine image that unites us all.