Antisemitism:
Why does it persist in Catholic Teaching and Preaching 60 Years after Nostra Aetate #4
Online presentation by Professor Amy-Jill Levine
Antisemitism: Why does it persist in Catholic Teaching and Preaching 60 Years after Nostra Aetate #4 is the second of a three-session online series, Ancient Texts for Our Troubled Times, presented by renowned biblical scholar, Prof. Amy Jill Levine. This series is designed for Christians who teach and preach the gospel — in parishes, schools, seminaries, universities — and for all seeking to understand the roots of antisemitism through a deeper understanding of its roots in church practices and (mis)interpretation and understanding of the scriptures.
The conditioning effects of the “teaching of contempt” still linger in subtle ways, even in a post-Vatican II Church. In this seminar, Amy-Jill Levine sheds light on why negative stereotypes of Jews and Judaism persist and how a sound understanding of the Gospels’ historical and cultural context is essential to overcoming ingrained biases and strengthening the reconciled relationship between Christians and Jews.
In a world of heightened tensions and a disturbing rise in antisemitism this is an important educational resource to assist Christians in approaching their Scripture texts responsibly, with accountability, and with care.
We warmly invite support from like-minded organisations in promoting this important initiative through their newsletters and networks.
Suggested resources for further exploration of topics raised in Dr. Amy-Jill Levine’s August 4, 2026 Bat Kol International Webinar, on the persistence of antisemitism in Catholic/Christian preaching and teaching.
Watch the video: Antisemitism: Why does it persist in Catholic Teaching and Preaching 60 Years after Nostra Aetate #4
Bat Kol International gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship of The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry
and the support of the
Australian Council of Christians and Jews and the National Council of Jewish Women Australia
COMING UP NEXT
Also presented by Amy-Jill Levine:
NOTE: If you registered for a previous presentation by Amy-Jill Levine, please register separately for the 1 September session.
Session 3: 1 September 2026.
Supersessionism: Naming and Addressing the Issue.
One-hour zoom lecture (FREE).
Registrations open.
BOOKS & RESOURCES from AMY-JILL LEVINE
Amy-Jill Levine. A selected reading list for educators, clergy and others who teach and engage with Scripture.
The Jewish Annotated New Testament
Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds.
Over sixty Jewish scholars have contributed to this volume which includes annotations on the NRSV version of the New Testament and articles with helpful insights to biblical studies. A groundbreaking work and ideal for the reference shelves of homilists and teachers. Published by Oxford University Press, 2011, 2017; third edition to be released August 2026.
The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus
Amy-Jill Levine challenges and encourages Christian readers to correct common anti-Jewish biases and tropes that distort the biblical meaning when Jesus is taken out of his historical Jewish context. Published by HarperCollins, 2008, and available as an eBook.
Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi
Amy-Jill Levine analyzes Jesus’ popular teaching parables, taking readers back to the first century to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. In doing so, she dispels common misunderstandings that feed antisemitic and misogynist ideas. Published by HarperCollins, 2015.
Download list of Books and Resources
Abingdon Press
BOOKS, DVDs. Abingdon Press offers a number of titles featuring the work of Amy-Jill Levine. These include beautifully crafted DVDs with participant booklets and leader guides, ideal for sessions in classrooms and parish settings. Titles are listed below and more can be found at the Abingdon Press website.
The Difficult Words of Jesus
Those passages where Jesus’ words unsettle the reader. More
The Bible With and Without Jesus
How Jews and Christians read the same texts differently. More
NEW! AVAILABLE AUG 2026
GENESIS: A Beginner’s Guide to the Beginning
See more in the attached PDF.
Our Presenter
Amy-Jill Levine is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita as well as Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita, Vanderbilt University. She is also the current president of the Catholic Biblial Association of America.
She is a prolific author, a gifted communicator, highly esteemed in interfaith circles, and we are delighted to have her expertise to draw us into the world of the New Testament.
Other Bat Kol International events.
Recalling the Radicality of this Vatican II document, 60 years on
Nostra Aetate: Past, Present and Future
SABBATH: Reast and Renewal in a Tense World
Exploring the Blessing and Challenge of the Sabbath Day
“One does not have to make Jewish practice and belief look bad in order to make Jesus look good.”
Amy-Jill Levine, 2026