Monthly Message - Who's the real enemy?
I've only been a practicing Christian for a relatively short time—about eight years. And while I enjoy stroking my own ego and pretending, I know a lot, I’m also painfully aware that there is an infinite amount of spiritually relevant truth I don’t yet understand. Still, there is one thing I do
know with certainty: our Lord and Savior told us to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
I bring this up because I’ve recently noticed a troubling rise in antisemitism within Christian circles. Of course, antisemitism has long existed, but it seems more overt or intense than in years past. Perhaps I'm just more aware now, especially with Israel frequently in the news.
Regardless, certain personal conversations and current events have prompted me to reflect more deeply on antisemitism in the Christian world. These are my thoughts—for anyone who cares to consider them.
At times, I’ve wondered whether Matthew 5:44 even applies to the Jewish people. Not because I believe we shouldn’t love them—far from it—but because I don’t see them as our enemies or persecutors.
Some might believe that Jews control the markets, academia, Hollywood, or even the weather, and that they use these platforms to oppress or manipulate others. You're free to believe that, but I would need to see extremely compelling evidence. Often, those making these claims point to influential figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Sergey Brin, or George Soros—people who are ethnically Jewish but not practicing Jews.
This
realization sparked a thought that I believe has spiritual significance.
It struck me that many of the Jewish individuals Christians criticize are not actually religious. That led me to consider the possibility of spiritual warfare. If the Jews are God’s chosen people—which I firmly believe—and the Old Testament records God's interactions with them, then it stands to reason that they carry a kind of spiritual weight. Essentially, when a Jew turns to God and does good,
the result can be remarkably good. And when a Jew turns away from God and does evil, the consequences can be significantly harmful.
This is not unique to Judaism. Christians face the same problem. Think of the pastor, priest, or lay Christian who professes faith but commits grave sin. When someone who bears the name of Christ does evil, the scandal and fallout are often far worse than if a secular person did the same. I believe Jews—like the Catholic Church—are
responsible for some of the greatest and worst things in human history. This is because both are deeply entrenched in the spiritual life: Christians by choice, Jews often by birth.
Consider how Jewish individuals may be found leading corrupt industries and also excelling in noble fields like science, literature, and humanitarian work. Similarly, the Catholic Church is the world’s largest charitable institution, yet it has also faced
severe financial and moral corruption. Protestantism has produced both heroic missionaries and egregiously corrupt megachurches. It all comes back to the second commandment: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” This commandment isn’t just about not using God’s name as a curse—it’s about not carrying His name in vain. That is, claiming to represent God while actually living for yourself.
Maybe you agree
with me, but still feel that Jewish culture has shortcomings. I would agree—but all cultures have their flaws. American Black culture can sometimes be steeped in the depravity glorified by aspects of rap music. Catholic culture can be judgmental or disgustingly lukewarm. American middle- and upper-class culture is often materialistic and self-centered. Deep South culture can lack refinement and be overly antagonistic. Muslim culture can be prone to radicalization. The list goes on.
But every culture has its reasons—some valid, some not—for being the way it is. And we can’t become racists or bigots just because a culture has flaws. We all have our own deep-seated flaws, often difficult to fix. Recognizing this should awaken our sense of shared humanity, and as Christians, compel us to love more deeply.
One common criticism of Jewish people is that they are
obsessed with money and power. But this may stem from a survival instinct, developed after centuries of relentless persecution. I'm not excusing the bad behavior of any individual, Jewish or otherwise—but I am suggesting that flaws often come from not being loved properly. Therefore, when we find hatred or contempt in our hearts toward any group, we should seek to replace those feelings with love. It may sound cliché or corny, but sometimes the good, true, and beautiful is cliché and
corny.
Finally, I find it hard to believe that in a world of 8 billion people, a group of 6 million Jews—who are still frequently targeted—somehow wield absolute, coordinated power. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think the real enemy of our time is not the Jews, Muslims, or any group of people. (Though I do believe all people should become devout, practicing Catholics!) The real enemy is the secularization of the world—the influence of the
Devil himself.
Maybe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a diabolical actor. I certainly believe Hamas and Iran harbor evil intentions. America, too, is complicit in much wrongdoing. But what binds these players in their corruption is not their religion—or lack thereof. It’s that they are missing the one true faith. How do we bring the world to the truth? Through evangelization—by our words and our actions—infused with the love and grace received from our Lord
Jesus Christ.
