Whenever I try and point out the inherent goodness that is part and parcel of the Ameican people, I get comments like the following:
“There is a concept of Chasdei Umos Ha'olam. But neither are **all** of them as righteous and upstanding”
No, not all of them. But when it comes to Americans, I assert my Chidush: The majority of Americans, most of whom are Christian are from the Chasidei Umos HaOlam. They are Righteous Gentiles. In my view they have this presumption. This has been demonstrated to me time and again. I think when Rav Moshe said that the US is a Medina Shel Chesed, he strongly implies this.
American Christians are not the Christians of old. European Christians had the hatred of Jews in their mothers milk (to quote Menachem Begin). But Americans whose ancestors were themselves persecuted by other Christians, had to leave their homeland in order to be able to practice their faith in freedom. The difference between American Christians and European Christians is vast. This is true even today (although there are barely anything but nominal Christians left in an immoral Europe that has embraced secularism and socialism as their new gods).
In this country the people who are the kindest and truly good hearted to us are those who truly believe in the principles of their Christian faith. Contrary to popular belief amongst many Jews, Christianity has more to it than belief in Christ. They have many values that they share with Judaism, most of which are taken from the Torah. And for the most part (with some notable exceptions like the Southern Baptists and Jews for Jesus) they do not actively seek to convert us. They truly believe in that in that portion of the bible that they share with us. And they believe what it tells them about God blessing those who bless the Jews.
If you will counter, “What about end times prophecy?” Sure they believe that in Acharis HaYomim, their god will have a second coming and there will only be salvation for those that believe in him. But who cares about that? We know the Emes. They are wrong. Only one sect in Judaism believes that their Messiah will have a second coming. Most Jews know that Moshiach will come from the living. Shibud Galios will come to an end, the Beis Hamikdash will be rebuilt, and we will have Techiyas HaMeisim. Let Christians believe what they will about the future. The future will take care of itself and they will then see for themselves.
What about Catholicism? Has the pope apologized for all the Jews who were burned on the stake in the name of Christianity?
Yes, he has. At least his Church has. You cannot ever truly apologize for all that bloodshed. The victims are no longer here to accept or reject that apology. The ancestors of today’s Christians are answering to God as we speak. But current Christianity does have Charatah (regret). And for us the most important part of their Teshuva is the pledge to never to do it again. They have given us that pledge. But as I said from the outset, we still need to be vigilant and keep looking over our shoulders. In the meantime we should accept their friendship in the spirit in which it is given. It would be very useful to see exactly what the official position of the Church is with respect to Jews.. It is important for those who think that Catholics are Esav incarnate to read what their official policy is. I think it ought to be required reading by all Jews so that we can once and for all dispel all of the many myths and misunderstandings about their current beliefs.
The following excerpts are from Notra Aetate. I excerpted those parts which are relevant to us. They should guide us in understanding their motives. Too many people think that Church doctrine is hateful to Jews. But that is not so.
Nostra Aetate
The Church of Christ acknowledges that the beginnings of her faith and her election are found already among the Patriarchs, Moses and the prophets. … The Church, cannot forget that she received the revelation of the Old Testament through the people with whom God in his mercy concluded the Ancient Covenant. Nor can the Church forget that she draws support from the root of that olive tree onto which have been grafted the wild shoots, the Gentiles…
(N)or did the Jews accept the Gospel; indeed more of them opposed its spreading. Nevertheless, God holds the Jews most dear for the sake of their Fathers; He does not repent of the gifts he makes…
Since the spiritual relationship common to Christians and Jews is so great, this sacred celebration wants to encourage and recommend that mutual understanding and respect is the basis of divine studies.
(T)he Church, mindful of the bond she shares with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel's spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.
