In fresh times, quite a few emotions have been raised by an interview with prof. John Grosfeld published in "Sunday Guest". This publication, concerning the relation between Christianity and Judaism, sparked a lively discussion in the media. prof. Grosfeld, a erstwhile hebrew who accepted Christianity, presented controversial theories about the function of Judaism in Christian life.
Judaism as the foundation of Christianity?
According to prof. Grosfeld, Christians cannot function without the surviving presence of Judaism. He emphasized: “If you think that you are the 1 who sustains the root, that the Church sustains the Jews, if she admits to them, you are wrong. They are the ones who sustain you.” These words caused a wave of comments and both praise and criticism.
The prof. besides pointed out that Christians request a “living evidence of Jews who drill in the bosom of Judaism today”, which in his opinion is simply a condition for the endurance of Christianity. He claimed that “we should draw juice from a judaic origin all day.” This interview was controversial especially in the context of the celebration of the Day of Judaism in the Catholic Church, which not all Catholics liked.
Relativization of evangelization?
Pch24.pl portal, known for its conservative approach to the teachings of the Church, referred to the interview, drawing attention to the statements of Prof. Grosfeld concerning the conversion of Jews. In an interview, he stated that “the Jews’ concerns before they were ‘returned’ to Christianity are justified due to the fact that it was besides frequently violent in history.” He cited historical examples, specified as forced conversions in the Roman Empire in the days of Constantine the Great, criticizing the way Christianity has been imposed in the past.
In its analysis, the portal pch24.pl notes that Grosfeld uses terminology that may rise theological doubts. For example, the word “humanity of Christ” as “Jewish”, according to the editorial board, introduces unnecessary distinctions in fact of Jesus Christ as the Savior of all mankind.
Heresy without Judaism?
Prof. Grosfeld's most controversial thesis is that "rooting in the judaic experience of religion and life" deficiency of Christians leads to heresy. "Christians usually fall into 1 or another heresy, gradually cease to accept the teaching of the Church to reject it entirely at the end," argued the professor.
This thesis has been severely criticised due to the fact that it lacks support in teaching the Catholic Church. The conventional Christian doctrine is based on the belief that the fullness of Revelation occurred in Jesus Christ, not in the continuation of Judaism as a separate spiritual stream. Many theologians believe that cooperation between Christians and Jews should be based on dialogue, but without relativizing the evangelization mission of the Church.
Dialogue or exaggeration?
The celebrations of the Day of Judaism in the Catholic Church have for many years sparked mixed reactions. The intent of this day is to item the common roots of both religions and to advance interfaith dialogue. However, any statements, specified as those of prof. Grosfeld, origin controversy due to the fact that they propose the request to redefin the roles of Christianity and Judaism in the past of salvation.
Summary
Modern Christian-Jewish dialog is complicated and challenging. prof. Grosfeld's interview for the “Sunday Guest” shed light on any crucial issues, but at the same time raised many questions about the limits of this dialog and whether it leads to relativisation of Christian faith. Ultimately, it is vital for Christians to proceed with the Gospel and pray for the Jews to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah. What will be the place of surviving Judaism in the future of the Church – time will show.
Read more:
"Sunday guest" leaves for his mission? Time to change the name to ‘Szabasy Guest’
