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Catholics and Jews in twentieth-century America

2002; Association of College and Research Libraries; Volume: 39; Issue: 09 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5860/choice.39-5143

1943-5975

Egal Feldman,

Religion, Theology, History, Judaism, Christianity

Rich with the insights of prominent Catholic and Jewish commentators and religious leaders, and Jews in Twentieth-Century America recounts the amazing transformation of a relationship of irreconcilable enmity to one of respectful coexistence and constructive dialogue. From the Inquisition to the Passion Play at Oberammergau with its demonic Jews gloating over the Crucifixion, the Catholic Church for centuries perpetuated a theology of contempt that reinforced antipathy between the two faiths. Focusing primarily on the Catholic doctrinal view of the Jews and its ramifications, Egal Feldman traces the historical roots of antisemitism, examining tenacious Catholic beliefs such as displacement theology (the idea that the Jews lost their place as the chosen people with the coming of Christianity), deicide, and the conviction that the Jews' purported responsibility for the Crucifixion justified all their subsequent misery and vilification.A new era of Catholic-Jewish relations opened in 1962 with Vatican II's Nostra Aetate, No. 4. A blueprint for a radical transformation of the Catholic relationship to the Jews, this document brought about a reversal of the theology of contempt, a de-emphasis on converting Jews to Christianity, and a determination to initiate constructive dialogue between Catholics and Jews. Feldman explores the strides made in improving relations, such as the Vatican's diplomatic recognition of the Jewish state. He also discusses recent disputes, including the erection of a convent near Auschwitz and the proposed canonization of the wartime pope, Pius XII, that reflect the fragility of the interfaith relationship. Thoughtful and thorough, and Jews in Twentieth-Century America underscores the magnitude of the change in Catholic thinking about Jews since Vatican II and the courage of thinkers and leaders on both sides in forging new bonds across the lines of faith.