The Antisemitism Awareness Act and the New Testament
Legislation Being Rush Through Congress Is Getting Criticized by the Far-Right
Last week, the House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, H.R. 6090. The legislation comes as protesters have disrupted classes at schools across the United States to protest Israel’s continued military action in Gaza. The Antisemitism Awareness Act requires the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when investigating discrimination in programs or schools that receive federal funds.
Here’s the IHRA definition: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Over the weekend, I saw a post on Reddit in which the author said some Christians claimed the Antisemitism Awareness Act would “ban the Bible.” Other pieces carry a similar theme. Why? Because the IHRA webpage that hosts the definition of antisemitism includes, as a definition of antisemitism, this language: “Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.”
Obviously, Jesus of Nazareth was a Jew. For many years after his death, Christianity was considered a sect of Judaism. This was actually a serious point of contention between Peter and Paul. Peter believed that Gentiles needed to convert to Judaism and, thus, follow the law of Moses, to become followers of Jesus. Paul didn’t believe that Gentiles needed to convert. The disagreement between Peter and Paul is explained in Galatians. Historically, Paul has won, but the issue isn’t as clear-cut as most evangelicals make it seem.
Anyway, the New Testament contains verses that would, arguably, meet this example of antisemitism used by the IHRA. Setting the scene for Jesus’ crucifixion, Matthew 27:24–25 states, “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’” The Gospel of John is also frequently labeled antisemitic.
The Antisemitism Awareness Act could probably be clearer on this question, but, no, the bill doesn’t “ban” or “censor” the Bible, or otherwise make parts of it illegal. Here’s why. If a student stood in the middle of a highly trafficked area of a university and read Matthew 27:24-25 out loud, his or her speech is protected by the First Amendment. In fact, the Antisemitism Awareness Act explicitly states, “Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”
I’m not a fan of what’s happening on college campuses. There’s clear antisemitism taking place, as well as whitewashing the slaughter of innocent people at the hands of Hamas. I’ve yet to see where these protesters have demanded that Hamas return the hostages that it has held captive since October. It also breaks my heart to see suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza just as much as it broke my heart to read some of the stories of innocent Israelis and Jews who were killed by Hamas.
I’m neither for nor against the Antisemitism Awareness Act. I think it’s a reactionary piece of legislation being rushed through Congress. It could be better written. The bill does not, however, ban the Bible.