Religious and philosophical implications of the Holocaust : the impact on Jewish and Christian relations

Abstract

The European Holocaust was a horrific and evil event in human history. The result of a particular historical, social, political, and economic milieu in early twentieth century Germany, it was also a result of racism and centuries-old bigotry deeply rooted in the Christian church. It can be argued that the Holocaust, then, shattered not only much of Christianity’s traditional moral base, but that of Western Society as well. The Holocaust’s impact has rendered problematic the very certainty that underlies all sets of values for both Jews and Christians. It has, in short, forced a reassessment of Christian and Jewish relations. I have examined the impact of the Holocaust on these relations. Analyzing scholarly sources, as well as conducting personal interviews, I have concluded that although the Holocaust is an undeniable historical event that may have shattered many people’s religious faith in God and their secular faith in human beings, it has brought about a profound re-evaluation of Jewish and Christian relations.