Controversial New Book by Arthur Blech Blames Bible for Anti-Semitism

[The Straight Story]

Controversial New Book by Arthur Blech Blames Bible for Anti-Semitism
Wednesday May 4, 10:39 am ET

NEW YORK, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- A controversial new book, The Causes of Anti-Semitism: A Critique of the Bible by Arthur Blech, is heating up the academic and religious world. Some critics have called it dangerous, others say it is essential reading.

Using irrefutable historical fact and unflinching tenacity, The Causes of Anti-Semitism lifts the gossamer veil of religious dogma and historical cover- ups fueling the bitter and eternal mutual hostility between Judaism and Christianity.

"This book challenges every reader to face some hard historical truths that directly contradict what we've been taught," says David Rippe, spokesperson for the book. "It should be required reading in every church, synagogue, temple and classroom."

When exposed to the redeeming light of critical analysis, the foundations of Judaism and Christianity are seen to be teetering on a chimera of lies, political manipulation, and conspiracies. Blech demonstrates unwavering courage in exposing the underbelly of this anti-Semitic beast. A beast who feeds on the ignorance of the masses and whose continued existence is made possible by the blind religious zeal of those purporting to eradicate it.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050504/clw037.html?.v=10

[Sequoia]

1. Heh, heh, can hardly wait for the Nazi, I mean, fundie book burning.

[ibid]

2. a better title of the book would be "Religion in Bible similiar to prior

religions"

but that would not sell as many books.

:-)

[On the Road]

3. I Haven't Read Any of This Stuff

but it's difficult to avoid the fact that there is long-standing enmity between Judaism and Christianity, and that the current climate of tolerance is a recent development.

Paul describes his being ostracized by the Jewish followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. That's the point when Christianity and Judaism began to diverge. 1 Thessalonians, which is considered one of the more reliable Pauline letters, has this to say:

You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 15who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

To avoid persecution, early Christians went to great lengths to avoid being thought of as Jews (who tended to revolt), even to the point of changing the day of worship.

Major religious leaders throughout history have been anti-Semitic. As an example, here's a small part of what Martin Luther had to say:

For I see in writings how they curse us Goyim and wish as all evil in their schools and prayers. They rob us of our money through usury, and wherever they are able, they play us all manner of mean tricks . . . No heathen has done such things and none would to so except the Devil himself and those whom he possesses -- as he possesses the Jews." http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/luther.htm

If it helps in reaching ecumenical peace, maybe it's a good idea to forget it ever happened. Books like this tend to fuel the fire and cause controversy. But if you look at the historical record, it's difficult to avoid this stuff.