Anti-Semitism

“Semites” are descendants of Noah’s son, Shem[1] (“Shemites”). The term “Semites” is now synonymous with one particular branch of those descendants, the Jews, and “anti-Semitism” refers to hatred and/or persecution of the Jews (generally because of their race or religion).

Anti-Semitism has been around for many centuries. Most famously, the German Nazis persecuted the Jews and then murdered about six million of them, but anti-Semitism didn’t originate there. The Jews have been persecuted in Europe, Russia, and many other locations for most of the past two millennia.

I can’t say this any other way: anti-Semitism is wrong. It is evil. It is contrary to Christianity and the teachings of Christ. No one can be anti-Semitic and a sincere Christian. You must choose one or the other.

The Nazis contended that anti-Semitism was supported by the Bible, citing such scriptures as John 8:44, where Jesus tells some of the Jews, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.” But to credibly carry this argument forward, the Nazis had to rewrite the New Testament, deleting many scriptures that obviously contradicted their position.

Scriptures like Mark 12:31, where Jesus tells us that the 2^nd greatest commandment—after love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength—is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” And Luke 10:30-37, the parable of the good Samaritan, which clarified that your “neighbor” is anyone who needs your help, whether or not you like them, and whether or not you even know them.

Christianity is a religion of kindness and love, not hate. And as I have explained before, Christian love is not a feeling, but an action. Jesus said that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves.[2] We are called to show this kind of love to everyone—even our enemies.[3] It is this kind of love that makes Christians different, like Jesus said:

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people.[4]

Hatred of the Jews—or anyone else—is simply inconsistent with Christianity. As John tells us:

If someone says, “I love God,” and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.[5]

So if someone tells you that Christians should be anti-Semitic, just know that that person is either a liar or they don’t know what they’re talking about.

[1]. Genesis 6:10

[2]. Luke 8:31

[3]. Luke 8:27-28

[4]. Luke 8:32-35

[5]. 1 John 4:20-21