Post-Holocaust Theologies of Jews and Judaism

Dear Colleagues,

In the decades following World War II and the Holocaust, Christians have begun the slow process of coming to terms with the history of antisemitism. Anti-Jewish tropes have been used to separate and denigrate Jews in European society and beyond. These tropes include the claim that the Jews killed Christ (the charge of deicide), that God has cursed and punished them for this crime ever since, that they are a sign of God’s justice in the world, that God has broken his covenant with them, and they are no longer the people of God.  

Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate reflected significant changes in the churches of the West, referring to Jews as “our elder brothers” and condemning antisemitism. How and why have the churches addressed anti-Jewish tropes since the Holocaust? How have the churches reformed their theologies of the Jews and Judaism? Moreover, how have these revisions impacted other aspects of the theology of the churches? At the same time, how have Jews and Jewish organizations responded to Christian revisions of their theology? 

This Special Issue is an opportunity to add to the ongoing conversation and growing scholarship on the Church coming to terms with its anti-Judaic traditions. Submissions from scholars of history, religion, theology, sociology, the arts and humanities, and other disciplines are welcome.  

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400-600 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the guest editor (wskiles@regent.edu) or to the /Religions/ editorial office (religions@mdpi.com). The guest editors will review abstracts to ensure proper fit within the scope of the special issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

Dr. William Skiles
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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