Orthodoxy and antisemitism: Anti Semitism and Christianity

» Dionysius - Anti Semitism and Christianity

I agree that Christianity doesn't have to be inherently anti-semitic and that it goes against the teaching of Christ and his Apostles.

Nonetheless there is a long history. One time under Theodosius an Orthodox mob burned down a synagogue in Roman controlled Mesopotamia. The Emperor started to hunt down the culprits but was stopped by Ambrose, teacher of Augustine. Ambrose
threatened to excommunicate the Emperor unless he permitted Orthodox Christians to vent their justifiable dislike of Jews and heretics such as Arians and Valentinians.

The particular form of anti-semitism based on notions of race may have sprung in the 19th century but hatred of Jews or anyone different has a long history both in and outside the church.

-- posted by Dionysius