Thread by @crustyoldean

I've preached on #PalmSunday 10-12 times over the years. Every time I preach a version of same sermon: we must confront the anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism in our world, the Gospels, our Holy Week liturgies, and call out the anti-Judaism in our own world. 1/

We must call out overt elements: the Jewish people were not responsible for the death of Jesus. Crucifixion is a Roman punishment imposed by Roman authority. Even 60 years after Nostra Aetate, this has to be said again and again 2/

But we also need to name more pernicious anti-Judaisms. Like this one: OT God is a "vengeful God" and NT God "a god of love and forgiveness." This is eisegetical nonsense, (also: Marcionism) and reinforces supersessionism, that somehow Christianity replaces and fixes Judaism 3/

Also: calling people "Pharisees". Unless you are 2,000 years old, and knew one personally, you should use the term Pharisee. This is a Jewish term regularly lifted out of context and weaponized to label anyone someone doesn't currently agree with. 4/

Holding "Christian" seders! Again, historical nonsense; the seder liturgies come hundreds of years after Jesus. Also: what right do Christians have to appropriate another traditions liturgies? Again, supersessionism: Christianity taking anything Jewish 5/

And of course we need to note anti-Semitic incidents HAVE INCREASED over the past five years. A Rabbi colleague has installed metal shutters and steel doors they lock and close during services due to threats against them. Our Jewish brothers & sisters are under siege. 6/

I close the Palm Sunday sermon same way every time: "I will preach this sermon every time I preach on Palm Sunday until I don't have to preach it anymore. Romans killed Jesus & only ones complicit are us when we reject his message in our own time." End/

Ugh. Stupid no edit button. In #4 I obviously meant “should not call” someone a Pharisee.