Pope exonerates Jews for Jesus’ death

Yahoo News ^ | 3 March 2011 (really) | By NICOLE WINFIELD

[T Minus Four]

Pope Benedict XVI has made a sweeping exoneration of the Jewish people for the death of Jesus Christ, tackling one of the most controversial issues in Christianity in a new book. In Jesus of Nazareth-Part II excerpts released on Wednesday, Benedict explains biblically and theologically why there is no basis in Scripture for the argument that the Jewish people as a whole were responsible for Jesus' death. Interpretations to the contrary have been used for centuries to justify the persecution of Jews. While the Catholic Church has for five decades taught that Jews weren't collectively responsible, Jewish scholars said on Wednesday the argument laid out by the German-born pontiff, who has had his share of mishaps with Jews, was a landmark statement from a pope that would help fight anti-Semitism today. "Holocaust survivors know only too well how the centuries-long charge of 'Christ killer' against the Jews created a poisonous climate of hate that was the foundation of anti-Semitic persecution whose ultimate expression was realised in the Holocaust," said Elan Steinberg of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants.

[TopQuark]

Please forgive me if I inadvertently gave an impression that I somehow equated Christianity with Islam or even put them in the same category. That would be not only false but insulting to a Christian, and I certainly do not hold any such view. I am fully aware that Islam is in many ways an exact opposite of Christianity, preaching hate where Christianity advocates the highest form of love.

My example was not about the essence of Islam but to explicate the principle that leads us to reject Imams' defense: we did not sanctify terrorism. The principle is: it's not enough to sanctify; you must punish the transgressors. That was the only point I was trying to make. Again, sorry if I inadvertently gave any other impression.

I would like to thank you for your unambiguous moral clarity: This does not deny historic crimes on the part of any Catholic, including those of the highest hierarchical rank.

That's the only thing we can do from the past, don't we --- look at it honestly, learn and move forward? And, by being honest and responsible about the past, the present Pope has made an enormous step forward. May G-d bless him.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Thank you for your gracious words, TopQuark. May God bless you and yours, abundantly.

[rbmillerjr]

“That Jews were Christ killers, and that the currently living Jews are responsible for that supposed sin of their ancestors.”

Um no...that is just a stupid comment.

[rbmillerjr]

“Well I was taught...”

Well, we all know that you weren’t taught correctly about anything to do with the Catholic Church...

..so next...

[rbmillerjr]

“You mean to say that it’s still in Catholic doctrine to believe that at least some Jews today are responsible for the death of Jesus?”

Send the Correspondence Course Theology Degree back to the diploma for dollar mill lol.

[tanknetter]

I remember a religious education class where one topic of discussion was "What if the crowd in Jerusalem demanded that Jesus be released instead of Barabbas?"

There was a short story in one of the better-known alternate-history books (I think it was in one of the "What If?" series) that had Pilate telling a very confused Jesus that he was free to go. Jesus' reaction was described along the lines of "Ok, so now what?"

Christianity might or might not exist if Christ hadn't been crucified (no crucifixion, no sacrificial death for humanities' sins, no resurrection) ... but it would certainly be a very different faith than what it is today.

I think the title of the article is very misleading. I don't see the Pope "exonerating" the Jews (and certainly not "forgiving" them, as some seem to infer that he's doing). If anything, he's stating that there's nothing to exonerate (or forgive) because the Jews bear no culpability in the matter.

[tanknetter]

I don’t know who was responsible for the death of all the apostles, except Judas ...

Can't speak for John, but in the case of Judas it's debatable (at least if the Jesuits who found logic in my arguments in high school are any judges of the matter).

Jesus HAD to die. And die in a sacrificial manner. It was prophesied, including by Jesus himself.

Since His death had to happen in order to release humanity from its sins and create the promise of eternal salvation, it's a logical/legitimate argument (caveat: there being no absolute hold on Truth here) that Judas was acting as an instrument of God when he took the money and bestowed the kiss.

Judas' apparent remorse over that act, committing suicide rather than going and blowing the $$$ on a wild drunken/debauched weekend in Vegas (with Charlie Sheen), further reinforces the argument.

[Gamecock]

I doubt you know the significance of the wardrobe.

I don't understand the significance of his Prada shoes:

[rbmillerjr]

That Jews were Christ killers, and that the currently living Jews are responsible for that supposed sin of their ancestors.

“That was Luther’s personal belief and the subject of three books by him.”

There is some serious irony here...in that Jews were persecuted severely in history, leading up to the Holocaust.

Yet, the same rabid lies, misinterpretation and ignorance of Catholic belief are repeated on here by the same bunch of ignoramus haters.

[lastchance]

I am sure anti Semites will now change their tune.

[Gaffer]

Well, if the Pope said it, then........bwaaaaahaahahhaaaaaa.

[servantboy777]

>>Hey Jewish people, you can relax now. Our bad<<

Now that was ded-gum funny......good one.

[TopQuark]

Um no...that is just a stupid comment.

Nothing looks more stupid than name-calling without giving a shred of evidence or even an attempt at constructing an argument.

All we have learned from your comment is that you are irritated but have nothing to say.

Thank you for informing us about your feelings. I feel enriched. Please write to me tomorrow -- I wonder how you will feel then.

Please do keep us posted about your feelings, OK? Like your mother, we really, really care.

[Gene Eric]

Just in case they forgot...

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“God knows all this; and I trust Him who knows the heart, to judge rightly.”

We can agree on that part of your post.

Best to you,
ampu

[TopQuark]

Thank you very much, Mrs. Don-O. May you and all that are dear to you receive abundant blessings as well.
With warm regards, TQ.

[rbmillerjr]

“Nothing looks more stupid than name-calling without giving a shred of evidence or even an attempt at constructing an argument.”

Then I’d suggest backing up your false claims with something with which to debate. Put up links, sources etc.

[Religion Moderator]

Not a thread, no, but they are listed along with others on my profile page.

[TopQuark]

Then I’d suggest backing up your false claims with something with which to debate. Put up links, sources etc.

I would be delighted to do just that. You've forfeited your right to my time, however, when you entered the thread with a pure insult and otherwise vacuous post.

Perhaps you'll be a little better-mannered on some future thread, and we'll have a better chance to have a discussion.

Have a good night.

[RegulatorCountry]

Well, seeing as how the man they claim as their first pope was a Jew, as were all the Apostles and Jesus Christ himself ... well, better late than never, I guess. Still sounds a tad presumptuous, though.