Antisemitism, Poland - History, Jewish History - Eastern Europe, General & Miscellaneous Roman Catholicism, Christianity - General & Miscellaneous, Roman Catholic Church History, General & Miscellaneous Judaism, Judaism - Comparative Studies, Religion - G
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Overview
Interwar Poland was home to more Jews than any other country in Europe. Its commonplace but simplistic identification with antisemitism was due largely to nationalist efforts to boycott Jewish business. That they failed was not for want of support by the Catholic clergy, for whom the ''Jewish question'' was more than economic. The myth of a Masonic-Jewish alliance to subvert Christian culture first flourished in France but held considerable sway over Catholics in 1930s Poland as elsewhere. This book examines how, following Vatican policy, Polish church leaders resisted separation of church and state in the name of Catholic culture. In that struggle, every assimilated Jew served as both a symbol and a potential agent of secularity. Antisemitism is no longer regarded as a legitimate political stance. But in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, the issues of religious culture, national identity, and minorities are with us still. This study of interwar Poland will shed light on dilemmas thatSynopsis
Against the political background of the newly-founded Polish state (1919), discusses the role of the Catholic Church in Poland, Church-state relations, and the wave of antisemitism in the 1930s. Surveys various Catholic journals, analyzing anti-Jewish themes, such as Jewish world domination and accusations against the Talmud. Deals with the place of the Jews in Poland's problem-ridden economy, and the means of resolving the problems by economic "nationalization" (including anti-Jewish boycotts) as suggested by the Catholic press. Asserts that the Polish Catholic attitude towards the Jews was linked to the Roman Catholics' attitude toward Freemasonry and liberalism. In addition, the identification of Jews with communists was very strong. Underlines the role of the Vatican and its influence on Polish bishops struggling against the idea of a secular state. Describes some Polish opponents of antisemitism, including liberal Catholics, pointing out that the leaders of the Church were not among them.Editorials
John Klier
'This is an excellent scholarly book which also carries strong humanitarian appeal. The author places Polish Antisemitism in both a national and international context. He clearly defends his thesis that Polish attitudes were fully in accord with the outlook of Rome, especially the papal obsession with liberalism and secularism.'.Book Details
Published
August 8, 1994
Publisher
Harwood Academic (Medical, Reference and Social Sc
Pages
429
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9783718655687