3.2.7

What is Anti-Semitism?

Test yourself

What is Anti-Semitism?

Anti-Semitism is a term used to describe hatred towards Jewish people.

Illustrative background for Anti-SemitismIllustrative background for Anti-Semitism ?? "content

Anti-Semitism

  • Anti-Semitism is a term used to describe hatred towards Jewish people.
  • The term also describes the act of blaming Jews for the bad things that people experience.
Illustrative background for Christian Anti-SemitismIllustrative background for Christian Anti-Semitism ?? "content

Christian Anti-Semitism

  • Some Christians, reading the Gospels, blamed all Jewish people for Jesus' death.
  • This is based on a couple of texts, particularly in Matthew's Gospel.
  • In Matthew 21 Jesus drives traders and moneychangers out of the Jewish Temple.
    • Some have interpreted this as Jesus expressing God's judgement against the Jewish people.
Illustrative background for Christian Anti-Semitism 2Illustrative background for Christian Anti-Semitism 2 ?? "content

Christian Anti-Semitism 2

  • Also in Matthew 27 the crowd at Jesus' trial shout 'His blood be upon us and our children'.
    • Some say this means Jewish people accepted the blame for Jesus' death.
Illustrative background for ConsequencesIllustrative background for Consequences ?? "content

Consequences

  • These accusations go right back to the early days of Christianity and have been used to encourage violent attacks on Jews.
  • This includes the expulsion of Jewish people from England and other European countries.
Illustrative background for MisinterpretationIllustrative background for Misinterpretation ?? "content

Misinterpretation

  • This attitude is based on a misreading of the Gospel accounts.
  • Most scholars argue Jesus cleansed the Temple because he objected to a place of prayer being used as a market.
  • Other scholars point out that Matthew 27 was written at a time when Christians faced persecution by the Romans.
  • So the Roman role in Jesus' death is downplayed to avoid worsening conflict with the Romans.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Buddhism

1.5Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium