Supersessionism

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the concept of supersessionism, as it relates to the Jews and anti-Semitism in general. The writer defines supersessionism as the historical and/or religious absorption, of Jews in this case, into the Christian realm. The paper also explores the question of the identity and responsibility of Christians and Jews in light of the Holocaust and the issues of individual religious belief, history and culture.

From the Paper:

"The dangers of supersessionism are exemplified in the attitude of the Catholic Church to the converted Jew Edith Stein who was murdered by the Nazis. The Church has declared that it did not intend to usurp the suffering of the Jews by honoring Edith, but the act still causes distrust among Jews. At the same time, where there is conflict, there is the hope of ongoing dialogue, and Garber makes clear that the Catholic Church has tried to explain the meaning of its actions from its perspective, and Jewish leaders have shown appreciation for that. Both religions believe in God's redemption of human beings, but in different ways."

More papers on Supersessionism:

• Book Review # 24441 : "Shoah: The Paradigmatic Genocide: Essays in Exegesis and Eisequesis" by Zev Garber"

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