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Anti-Judaism in Christian Theology is a phenomenon distinct from Anti-Semitism. The rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah by the Jewish establishment of the First Century led to the eventual parting of the ways between the Jewish Christian and their fellow Jews who did not share their beliefs. In 135 CE the Bar Kochba Revolt against the Romans led to the final break with Rabbi Akiva declaring Bar Kochba the Messiah. Jewish Christians had been willing to fight along side their fellow countrymen, but they felt unable to continue with Akiva's assertion. This led to the ultimate parting of the ways.
The Jewish - Christian debate and dialogue moved from polemic to bitter verbal and written attacks one against the other. Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho the Jew was a polemical debate giving the Christian assertions for the Messiahship of Jesus - DIALOGUE OF JUSTIN, PHILOSOPHER AND MARTYR, WITH TRYPHO, A JEW. - 21k
It is thought that Justin made use of a fictional character called Trypho on which to construct his arguments. Even from a cursory look at the Dialogue it becomes clear that Anti-Judaism is expressed by one of the Early Church's leading teachers. Jerome is equally negative in his treatment of Judaism in his writings in the 2nd Century and John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, of the 4th century. Though Chrysostom means 'the golden-mouthed' his 8 polemical sermons based on John’s Gospel are full of venom and hate toward Judaism and the Jews. One explanation for his vicious attack was to warn Christians not to have any contact with Judaism because of the attraction that the synagogue was having to some Christians. His purpose was not primarily to attack the Jews, but rather to keep Christians away from a rival religion.
It was during the 5th and 6th centuries that Chrysostom’s writings found capital with the ascendancy of the Church to a place of political power too.
In a nut shell – Anti-Judaism is a theological position taken by the Church in which Judaism as a religion is demeaned and rejected, because of its failure to embrace Jesus Christ as Messiah and Lord. Judaism is all too often portrayed in a negative light. Alas, Anti-Judaism has led to the impoverishment of Christianity ignoring its Jewish roots on the one hand and on the other, it has also contributed to full blown Anti-Semitism.
Confronting Prejudice
A godly Christian response towards Judaism needs to be developed and fostered within the Christian Church. While acknowledging that there are fundamental differences between Judaism and Christianity, mutual love and respect needs to be developed and age-old prejudice and stereotypes need to be confronted through honest dialogue and study. Many universities are now employing Jewish scholars to work alongside Christian scholars helping to give valuable insights and understanding to the sacred text and traditions of both faith.