Language:
English
Year of publication:
2005
Titel der Quelle:
Studies in Contemporary Jewry
Angaben zur Quelle:
21 (2005) 35-64
Keywords:
Jews History 1945-
;
Jews
;
Judaism Relations
;
Christianity
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism
Abstract:
Roman Catholicism has long been a central element of Polish national identity. After 1989, internal divisions became manifest in the Church, with opposition between the "closed" and "open" Churches. The clash between these two groups was particularly pronounced in regard to their attitudes toward Jews, Judaism, and antisemitism. Progress in the area of dialogue with Jews and Judaism and the struggle against antisemitism was mixed. The "closed" Church opposed dialogue and basically refused to condemn past and present antisemitism in the Church, and generally opposed the spirit of Vatican II. This attitude was reflected in a lack of commitment to fight anti-Jewish prejudice, in permitting Radio Maryja to air antisemitic remarks, and in expressing defensive attitudes in regard to the Polish massacre of Jews at Jedwabne in 1941. In contrast, the "open" Church is credited with dialogue with Jews, modifications in anti-Jewish theology in some Church material, episcopal letters asking the Jews for forgiveness for the Holocaust, and condemnations of antisemitism. However, recent events, like the screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", have reinforced traditional attitudes that, as in the past, link Catholicism with right-wing nationalism.
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