What Jews would like Christians to keep in mind before

listening to these examples from Jimmy Carter’s Bible classes:

1. •Anti-Semitism is real, widespread, and serious. No people in history suffered as much from prejudice as Jews. Click here for historical highlights. Much of that persecution was perpetrated by Christians in the name of Christianity. A hater who preaches the Bible and talks about God is still a hater.
   

2. • We know from historical sources that oppression against Jews was provoked by the very ideas discussed in these pages. That is why exposure is so important. Many educated people today are not aware of this history and fail to recognize true anti-Semitism, often confusing it with other forms of racism. Comments are provided to fill this gap.
   

3. • Bias is bigotry, plain and simple. It is bigotry when Jews are criticized but not others who are equally guilty. When others are praised, Jews should be praised if they deserve it. Singling out Jews for criticism but ignoring them when it comes to positive recognition is a sign of anti-Semitism. If it is wrong to say something offensive about a group of people, why is it acceptable to say it about Jews? The same is true for showing pity for others but not for Jews. If we take hatred, racism, and bigotry seriously, we have to respect the rights of all groups to be free of their terrors. There is no excuse for bias.
   

4. • Anti-Semitism spreads from the teaching that Jews are morally inferior. People tend to hate those they consider to be a threat to the moral order. If someone always contrasts the good Jesus or good Christians with bad Jews or bad Judaism, that person is an anti-Semite, and those who adopt this attitude also become anti-Semites. Even though biblical stories took place long ago and far away, negative images of Jews (or Pharisees) denigrate and defame those Jews today who respect the teachings of their ancient traditions. Moreover, before criticizing Jewish customs or beliefs, one should first learn about them from authentic Jewish sources.
   

5. • Anti-Jewish ideas are not justified simply because they may appear to be consistent with the Bible. There are many ways to understand a religious text; interpretation does not have to inspire contempt. Don’t let Carter turn the Gospel of Love into a gospel of hate!