Rabbi Neusner Stands up For Pope Benedict !!! (Latest Jewish/Catholic Controversy)

Thank God for sane voices!! As has been noted the Jewish Rabbis are all in a uproar over over Pope Benedict and Catholics again(not like there are not far more pressing concerns).

For background on that see Dreher's piece Jews vs. Catholics: a stupid family feud.

Rabbi Neusner that is quoted all the place in Benedict's recent book has come to his defense and is talking sanity.

The Ratzinger Forum has translated this piece form a Italian paper (Why the American Press has not interviewed him on this matter since he is in their own backyard is beyond me)

In this interview, Rabbi Jacob Neusner, cited generously by Pope Benedict XVI in his book JESUS OF NAZARETH, comments on the state of Jewish-Christian relations in the light of current events.

Rabbi Neusner, what do you think of the Venice rabbi's statement that Pope Benedict XVI cancelled out 50 years of dialog with his reformulation of the Good Friday prayer for the Jews?

I do not share the rabbi's opinion about the state of this dialog and its future. The dialog has made a great contribution in the reciprocal exchange between the two religions. One must note that the commitment of all the Popes after Pius XII - John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, and especially Benedict XVI - represent milestones in our relations. As for the Good Friday prayer, I will only say that all religions pray for the illumination of 'others'. Jews pray for the illumination of all Gentiles, and there is nothing different about the Catholic counterpart! (thank you)

Do you think Benedict XVI truly feels strongly about dialog with the Jews?

From the start of his Pontificate to the present, Pope Benedict XBI has not in any way betrayed the commitments he made to maintain the good relations between Catholics/Christians and Jews.

Do you think that Rabbi Richetti's statements were influenced by the positions taken by the Pope and other representatives of the Church on the conflict in Gaza?

The conflict with Hamas has to do with the right of the Jewish state to exist. Hamas does not want to make peace with Israel, only that the conflict continue ad infinitum. If Hamas truly wants peace, it would recognize the state of Israel. But it cannot do this because that is not its position nor that of its supporters. If it changed its position, it would make Iran and Hezbollah its enemies.

The Jewish-Catholic dialog has had its highs and lows. Today is the Day of Judaism (in Italy). At what point are we in the dialog?

If we compare the relations before John XXIII and Vatican-II and what they are today, I can definitely say that relations today are marked by a much greater reciprocal respect and friendship. There are very strong forces within the Catholic community and in Jewish communities that want this friendship. For instance, the pontifical universities in Rome promote this through various courses and seminars. And the Jewish communities support the younger generations who intend to commit themselves to such a dialog.

Do you think that a papal trip to the Holy Land will be useful?

A visit by Benedict XVI, in the wake of that made by John Paul II, can only favor friendship between Jews and Catholics. And it would be another milestone in the recognition of the state of Israel by the Catholic Church. In addition, a visit of mourning and commemoration at the Holocaust memorial in Yad Vashem would make an enormous impression. Pius XII has been judged ambivalent about his attitude to the Jews. A cause for his beatification has been presented, but a caption in Yad Vashem continues to portray him negatively. I don't think a definite conclusion about Pius XII can be made until the Vatican archives about his Pontificate are studied objectively. It would be wise not to come to any conclusions until this is done.

What did you think of the Muslim prayer-demonstrations in front of the Cathedrals of Milan and Bologna?

An outsider like me would be hard put to give an opinion about a question that involves the definition of Italian nationality and culture with respect to its Muslim population. I think this is a problem that goes beyond Italy and concerns all of Europe. It is different for us Americans because we come from a different political tradition with regard to religions. But I do believe that history tells us Europe is based on Christianity and is still oriented by it.