Matt Fradd
Spirituality/Belief • Books • Writing
Did The Jews Kill Jesus?
March 17, 2025
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"Nostra Aetate," the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, is a significant document from the Second Vatican Council that addresses the Catholic Church's relationship with people of other faiths, including Judaism.

Why am I sharing this right now? Because I recently released a video entitled: “Why Did Luther Remove Books from the Bible?” In it Dr. John Bergsma shares how Martin Luther appealed to the Jewish tradition to get rid of several books from the Bible (which is why Protestant Bibles lack several books). In the comment section someone wrote: “I swear, it’s the f—-ing Jews every time.” I hid the fellow from my channel, who, of course, was anonymous, but I’m seeing this sort of thing more and more.

Now, before anyone accuses me of it—and they will—let me be clear: I’m not saying that one can’t criticize the Jewish religion (here’s a criticism I have—they should accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah) or the state of Israel, nor am I claiming that every accusation of anti-Semitism is valid. What I am saying is this: Here’s what the Church teaches about our relationship with the Jewish people, and Catholics—especially those who share sentiments like the ones I quoted above—should take it to heart.

 
1. Shared Heritage:

The document acknowledges the shared spiritual heritage between Christians and Jews. It emphasizes that the beginnings of the Christian faith are deeply rooted in Judaism, recognizing it as a path prepared by God for Christian revelation.

"As the Sacred Synod searches into the mystery of the Church, it recalls the spiritual bond linking the people of the New Covenant with Abraham's stock."

 

2. Rejecting Anti-Semitism:

Nostra Aetate explicitly repudiates all forms of anti-Semitism, urging Catholics to avoid any discrimination or harassment against Jews. It stresses that such actions are contrary to the spirit of Christ and the teachings of the Church.

“The Church… deplores all hatreds, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism directed against Jews at any time and by anyone."

 

3. Theological Connections:

It affirms that the Church shares common spiritual patrimony with the Jewish people, emphasizing that Jews remain "most dear to God" because of the patriarchs and that God "does not repent of the gifts He makes or of the calls He issues."

"Indeed, the Church believes that by His cross Christ, Our Peace, reconciled Jews and Gentiles, making both one in Himself."

 

4. The Crucifixion:

The document clarifies that, although some Jewish leaders collaborated with Roman authorities in Christ’s crucifixion, this cannot be used to charge all Jews of that time or today with His death. It highlights that Christ died for all humanity's sins.

"True, the Jewish authorities and those who followed their lead pressed for the death of Christ; still, what happened in His Passion cannot be charged against all the Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor against the Jews of today."

 

5. Promoting Dialogue:

It encourages dialogue and collaboration between Catholics and Jews, fostering mutual understanding and respect. It underscores the need for Christians to conduct themselves as followers of Christ's love and gospel message.

"Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is so great, this sacred synod wishes to foster and recommend mutual understanding and respect."

 

6. Hope for the Future:

Nostra Aetate expresses hope for an ongoing positive dialogue and a deeper mutual understanding that transcends past conflicts and misunderstandings.

"The Church awaits that day, known to God alone, when all peoples will call upon the Lord with one voice and serve Him shoulder to shoulder."

At a time when hostility and division so easily spread, Catholics should be especially mindful of what the Church actually teaches about our relationship with the Jewish people. Nostra Aetate is a document which calls us to reject hatred, foster respect, and recognize the deep spiritual connection we share.

Dismissing or distorting these teachings in favor of crude generalizations or conspiratorial thinking is not just uncharitable—it’s un-Catholic. If we take our faith seriously, we must take heed of what the Church says and strive to reflect Christ’s love in our words and actions.

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A Practical Method For Spiritual Warfare
 
In this article, I want to suggest a powerful, practical method for spiritual warfare—one that I believe will be a game-changer in your everyday life. We'll explore how consistently announcing what is true and renouncing what is false can become a potent weapon, helping you navigate the unseen battles that often manifest as struggles in our thoughts and emotions.
 
At the Catholic Easter Vigil Mass, there is a significant moment where the congregation renews their Baptismal Promises.

In essence, the priest leads the faithful to announce what is true and to renounce what is false.

For the purposes of this article we’ll begin with the questions that invite annunciations. He asks:

"Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?"

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"Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?"

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Prior to the above questions are a series of questions which invite renunciation:

"Do you renounce sin, so as to live in the freedom of the children of God?"

"Do you renounce the lure of evil, so that sin may have no mastery over you?"

"Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin?"

In responding “I do” to these questions, we are renouncing, repudiating, what is false.

To those who may attend Holy Mass once or twice a year they may be surprised to discover just how seriously the Church takes the reality of the Devil and spiritual warfare. But anyone somewhat familiar with the Scriptures and the consistent teaching of the Church would not be. Here I could dump a multitude of Scriptural verses proving my point, but one will suffice. From the first letter of St. Peter:

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

And now for the main point of this article: Just as it is beneficial to regularly align ourselves with what is true (say through an act of faith), it is also beneficial to regularly repudiate, and disassociate with, what is false.

And given that our lives are situated squarely within a world at war. A world which “lies in the power of the evil one.” in which demonic forces are seeking to blind us to the things of God (2 Cor. 4:4). This is something we are going to be needing to do in one form or another on a daily basis. Multiple times a day.

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All of this can lead us to believe the lie that life is complicated. And since we cannot figure it out, we should either quit, or numb, or pretend, or run ourselves ragged trying to understand everything we think we should understand.

And yet life is simple. Very, very simple. There is very little to figure out.

Love what is good. Hate what is evil. But how? When I have willingly habituated myself to do the opposite. Pray. Repent. Keep turning away from distractions. Don’t hate yourself for failing. Hope in the good God who is better than you think He is. Who cares for you more than you think He does.

What are your duties? Do them with joy and attention. Don’t hate yourself when you fail at this. Pray. Repent. Have a sense of humor about your littleness. You are incredibly loved after all, remember?

Turn away from what is useless and petty and vulgar and think about what is excellent.

Say “Your will be done” 100 times a day, especially when things are bad or seem meaningless. Your headache. Your bad night sleep. The house you can’t seem to get around to tidying.

Be patient and gentle with stupid people who can’t seem to make themselves love or want to love what is good, yourself first and foremost.

Jesus, help me want to want to love you. Help me want to want to hate anything opposed to you or your kingdom.

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
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