Sept. 7, 2009 issue
Holocaust studies
By John Kampen CincinnatiI appreciated the July 6 editorial acknowledging the death of Franklin Littell and noting his contributions to the study of Anabaptism and to establishing a place for Holocaust studies in colleges, universities and seminaries.
Mennonite Church USA institutions are not among those that offer courses on the Holocaust. While scattered references and experiences are cited on institutional Web sites, I could not identify such a course in their listings. Coming to terms with the Holocaust has been a significant factor in helping Western Christianity identify the hubris and triumphalism that characterized its institutional and theological life. Mennonites have often felt exempted from that exercise.
While we have a few very good studies on the relationship of Mennonites and the Nazis, the subject has received inadequate treatment in our theology and in our denominational life. We have never acknowledged nor apologized for the complicity of Mennonites in those actions. An analysis of our theological stances and biblical teaching from the vantage point of anti-Semitism has been absent from both our published work and our conversations. Coming to terms with this aspect of our corporate life would be helpful for our peacemaking efforts with regard to Israel/Palestine and in determining the future nature of our church.
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