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The Jews and catechisms in Australia
Graham Jenkins

Among the English language catechisms modelled,at least in so far as methodology is concerned, on the German, is the Australian series: "11/ Way to God", and "Catholic Catechism". It is obvious that the content was not sufficiently re-thought within the framework of a post-conciliar emphasis on ecumenism, justice and brotherly love. We speak here only of sections concerning the Jewish people, but in so far as one group is not treated with respect, we have not fully authentic Christianity. The extracts which follow from a letter published in Herder_Correspondence (January 1967) in answer to two articles concerning the Australian catechism which appeared in November and December issues of the same review, reveal the lacunae in this series.

After having discussed several unfortunate passages: "On Good Friday, it was the pagan Pilate who tried to save Jesus, and the chief priests of the Jewish people who cried out: 'Crucify him'; and: "Both (the Scribes and the Pharisees) kept outwardly the Law that God gave Moses and hundreds of other rules, but many of them were proud and hard-hearted and loved money", - the letter continues:

"The catechism reaches a climax with a question and answer:
Q. - Why did the Chosen People reject Jesus?
R. - The Chosen People rejected Jesus because they would not • turn away from their sins.
In one short chapter children are taught a contempt for the Jewish people whose religion was degenerate, who entirely rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and who lived sinful lives. Which generation is going to be given a teaching which will not arouse contempt or antipathy for the Jews or their religion? One could be harsh and say in answer: those who do not learn from this or similarly worded catechisms.