Anti-Semitism Or Anti-Christianity?

Hatred against any race, creed, or skin color goes against one of the fundamental tenets of Christianity which instructs us to "love one another", (John 13:34)and treat all as we wish to be treated. Knowing this fact, it is somewhat disconcerting when someone who adheres to this belief is falsely accused of being a hatemonger simply because a man, woman, or entire organization is revealing the truth of Jesus' life, suffering, death and resurrection. One such recent example of the false accusation of anti-Semitism is reviewers and Jewish heads who have insisted the recent Mel Gibson film, "The Passion Of The Christ" inspires feelings of anti-Semitism. If Jesus, or his purpose here on earth was to hate or do away with Jews, he would have to begin with himself and his many followers who were of Jewish origin.

What then, could cause such a misunderstanding, and allow some Jews to think Christ was against them?

While Jesus was sent from God so that we may have eternal life, his presence on earth also fulfilled the Old Testament Law, ("Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law." -Romans 3:31), thus, no longer were animal sacrifices needed since Christ, himself, became the sacrificial lamb upon his death. ("...it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." -Hebrews 10:4-9) In short, the Old Testament Jewish Law which consisted of strict dietary, dress and other such mandates were to be used as a substitute teacher to prepare the way for the one, true Rabbi, Jesus Christ.

Christ taught that "The entire law is summed up in an entire command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"-Galatians 5:14) When asked what the greatest commandment in the law was, Jesus replied,"Love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:36-38) Christ also affirmed that the second greatest command of His Father was, "Love your neighbor as yourself. All of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:39-40)

Is this an implication that the Old Testament, and Old Testament Law is no longer worthwhile?

Certainly not, for ALL of God's word is profitable for our learning.

As you can see, my dear friends, Jesus was not a hatemonger, nor would he support or promote messages of hate. Depictions of his life and death, whether they be in art, film, or audio rendering, are not to offend or inspire any sort of negativity, but to simply reveal the life and times of the man, Jesus, who Christians the world over accept as the Son of God. Perhaps the question we must ask is, is it Christ we object to, or his message of love and salvation?

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr