Christianity and Judaism

Submitted by Prof. Michael Anbar (United States), Nov 27, 2002 at 11:26

The small Jewish nation, the originator of Christianity and forerunner of Islam, is now struggling for its survival. There is an onslaught by Islamists on Jews (about 40% of the Jewish nation) in the Land of Israel, their ancient homeland. There are anti-Judaic (anti-Semitic) attacks against Jews by secular "liberals" in Europe and in the US; and there are assimilatory pressures on Judaism in the North American secular culture. How can we prompt the Christian South (by your definition) to sympathetically recognize Judaism and the Jewish nation as the root of the Christian faith (as they have been lately recognized by Northern Christianity)? The Islamists have been targeting the Jews, calling for their extermination. Islamists seem to recognize that Judaism has to be eradicated and forgotten before they can launch a successful assault on "rootless" Christianity. It is imperative, therefore, to make both Southern and Northern Christianity fully aware of this scheme. Judaism does not compete with Christianity for new converts, whereas Christianity needs Judaism and the Jewish people to authenticate its Judeo-Christian historical message. It must be emphasized that in today's clash of civilizations anti-Judaic manifestations by Christians is absolutely detrimental for Christianity.

Michael Anbar
Professor Emeritus
Buffalo, NY

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