Opposition to Jewish-Christian Reconciliation: Historical and Modern Challenges

This is the tenth 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.

Introduction

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, various Christian and political groups have actively opposed Jewish-Christian reconciliation, resisting efforts by churches, interfaith organizations, and governments to acknowledge Christian antisemitism, reject supersessionism, and foster stronger Jewish-Christian relations.

These groups generally fall into three main categories:

• Traditionalist Catholic groups that rejected the reforms of Vatican II.
• Fundamentalist Protestant groups that maintain supersessionist theology.
• Leftist Christian and anti-Zionist groups that frame Jewish identity and Israel in negative terms.

Additionally, radical Islamist-Christian alliances and far-left secular activists have contributed to opposition against Jewish-Christian reconciliation.

Here we explore the key organizations, figures, and movements that have opposed reconciliation, their motivations, and their impact on modern politics and interfaith relations.

1. Traditionalist Catholic Groups That Rejected Vatican II

A. Opposition to Nostra Aetate (1965)

• The Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) issued Nostra Aetate, which rejected Jewish collective guilt for Jesus’ death and encouraged interfaith dialogue.
• Some Catholic traditionalists viewed this as a betrayal of Church teachings and rejected the idea that Judaism’s covenant with God remains valid.

B. The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX)

• Founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, SSPX strongly opposed Vatican II’s reforms on Judaism.
• SSPX leaders continue to promote pre-Vatican II theology, including the belief that Jews are responsible for Christ’s crucifixion.
• In 2009, SSPX Bishop Richard Williamson denied the Holocaust, reinforcing antisemitic attitudes within the group.

C. The Remnant and Other Radical Traditionalist Catholic Groups

• The Remnant, a far-right Catholic publication, opposes Jewish-Christian dialogue, arguing that Judaism is a “false religion” that must be abandoned for salvation.
• Traditionalist Catholic figures such as Michael Matt and E. Michael Jones claim that Jews are a corrupting force in Western civilization, blending religious and political justifications for their views.

D. Opposition to Catholic-Jewish Cooperation

• Some hardline traditionalist bishops and priests refuse to engage in interfaith dialogue with Jewish leaders.
• Certain traditionalist groups claim that modern popes (John Paul II, Francis) are “too friendly” toward Jews and have betrayed Catholic heritage.

2. Fundamentalist Protestant Groups That Opposed Jewish-Christian Reconciliation

A. Supersessionist Protestant Theologians

• Many fundamentalist Protestant churches reject reconciliation efforts because they believe Christianity has fully replaced Judaism in God’s plan.
• Some Southern Baptist and Independent Baptist churches insist that Jews must convert to Christianity for salvation.

B. Bob Jones University and Other Fundamentalist Institutions

• Bob Jones University (BJU) has historically opposed interfaith dialogue with Jewish organizations.
• Other separatist Protestant churches argue that reconciliation compromises Christian truth and weakens their faith.

C. Christian Identity Movement and Extremist Protestant Sects

• The Christian Identity movement, a blend of white nationalism and extreme Protestant theology, teaches that:
  • White Europeans are the true Israelites, while modern Jews are impostors or even agents of Satan.
  • Jews must be excluded from Christian nations.
• Groups like Aryan Nations and extremist militia movements oppose any cooperation between Christians and Jews, viewing Judaism as a “corrupting force” in Western society.

3. Leftist Christian and Anti-Zionist Groups That Opposed Reconciliation

A. The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Anti-Israel Activism

• The World Council of Churches (WCC), a progressive Christian organization, has taken a strong anti-Israel stance, often framing Zionism as a form of oppression.
• WCC frequently criticizes Israeli policies while ignoring or minimizing global antisemitism.
• Many Christian Palestinian groups aligned with WCC reject Jewish-Christian dialogue unless it supports an anti-Zionist narrative.

B. Liberation Theology and Christian Palestinianism

• Liberation Theology, which frames conflicts as struggles between oppressors and the oppressed, has led some leftist Christian groups to:
  • Blame Zionism for global injustice while ignoring Jewish concerns.
  • Oppose Jewish-Christian dialogue that does not center Palestinian grievances.
  • Deny Jewish historical ties to the Holy Land.

C. The Kairos Palestine Document and Christian Palestinian Opposition to Reconciliation

• The Kairos Palestine Document (2009), endorsed by many progressive Christian churches, calls Zionism a form of racism and oppression.
• Some mainline Protestant and Catholic leaders argue that Jews must abandon Zionism for reconciliation to be possible.

D. The BDS Movement and Progressive Christian Churches

• Some progressive Christian groups support Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), a movement aimed at isolating Israel economically and politically.
• Churches like PCUSA and UMC have endorsed BDS, at times minimizing antisemitism in leftist circles.

4. Modern Political and Interfaith Challenges

A. Radical Christian-Islamist Alliances and Anti-Zionism

• Some Islamic fundamentalist groups have found common cause with leftist Christian movements in opposing Zionism and rejecting theological dialogue with Jews.
• Groups like Hezbollah and Hamas have received support from certain Christian Palestinian activists, reinforcing hostile views toward Jewish-Christian reconciliation.

B. Far-Left Secular Christian Activists and Interfaith Disruptions

• Some far-left Christian activists reject interfaith dialogue with Jewish organizations that do not condemn Israeli policies.
• The Catholic Worker movement, certain Jesuit groups, and some progressive Protestant organizations have taken stances that alienate Jewish groups, demanding they denounce Zionism before participating in interfaith engagement.

Conclusion: The Future of Jewish-Christian Reconciliation in an Era of Division

Despite significant progress in Jewish-Christian relations, several Christian groups continue to resist reconciliation, often due to:

• Theological opposition (e.g., Traditionalist Catholics, Fundamentalist Protestants).
• Political opposition (e.g., Christian Palestinianists, leftist anti-Zionist activists).
• Supersessionist beliefs that deny Judaism’s continued spiritual significance.
• Rhetorical and economic attacks on Zionism, which often cross into antisemitism.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditionalist Catholic groups (e.g., SSPX, The Remnant) reject Vatican II and oppose interfaith dialogue with Jews.
• Fundamentalist Protestants (e.g., Bob Jones University, Christian Identity Movement) still promote supersessionism and resist theological reconciliation.
• Leftist Christian groups (e.g., WCC, Kairos Palestine) reject reconciliation when it does not align with anti-Zionist ideology.

Moving Forward

• Interfaith organizations must challenge both right-wing supersessionism and left-wing anti-Zionist bias.
• Jewish-Christian relations must recognize Jewish self-determination as legitimate, whether in theology or politics.
• Efforts must be made to preserve interfaith alliances in the face of rising divisions.