With the surge in public expressions of Jew-hatred emerging from some quarters of the American Christian right, a familiar impulse has resurfaced, especially among well-intentioned Jews and Christian allies. The reflex is to treat antisemitism as a theological problem that can be solved by refuting supersessionism (also known as “replacement theology” by detractors and “fulfillment theology” by champions).
The logic is straightforward: If supersessionism historically contributed to hostility and violence against Jews, then defeating it theologically should weaken antisemitism at its source. This instinct is sincere but counterproductive.
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