Antisemitic Catholics & Protestants

This is a post I never thought I would need to write.  Some so-called "traditionalist" Catholics and even others have made jabs against our account because we have the Magen David/Star of David on it. Others have erroneously referred to it as the Star of Remphan. 

Why is this? Do they even have any education? 

The Star of David is NOT the Star of Remphan and is actually a Catholic symbol, not just for Judaism. It is used in Catholic Church architecture as seen here below in the photos at the Vatican, St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. 

Even Pope Benedict XVI has it on his papal miter. Moreover, I am honoring not just this Catholic aspect but also my heritage of having Hebrew/Jewish blood or ancestry. 

Antisemitism has to stop, especially among alleged Catholics. The Star of David is a Catholic and Jewish symbol! The First Christians were Jews. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the Apostles were Jews. The Catholic Church is the fullness of Judaism and the New Israel. We cannot deny our heritage.

The Star of David vs. the Star of Remphan

The Star of David is a six-pointed star (hexagram) formed by two overlapping equilateral triangles. It is widely recognized today as a symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity, but its origins are ancient and not exclusively Jewish. Historically, the hexagram appeared as a decorative motif in various cultures, including early Christian and medieval architecture, long before it became a primary emblem of Judaism in the 17th–19th centuries.

In contrast, the "Star of Remphan" (or Rephan/Chiun) is mentioned in the Bible in Acts 7:43 (quoting Amos 5:26), where Stephen condemns ancient Israelite idolatry: "Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan." This refers to pagan worship, likely linked to a deity associated with the planet Saturn or other astral gods, but the Bible does not specify its shape (e.g., no mention of six points). Catholic and scholarly interpretations generally view it as a reference to idolatrous practices, not a direct equation with the modern hexagram. Claims equating the two are common in some fringe or conspiratorial circles (including certain traditionalist critiques), but they lack strong historical or biblical evidence—the hexagram's association with Judaism developed much later.

The confusion arises because some critics (often in online traditionalist spaces) label the hexagram as inherently occult or pagan, ignoring its non-religious decorative history. See more here: Sacerdotus: The Star of David Is Not the Star of Remphan: Unraveling the Myth

 Use of the Hexagram in Catholic Contexts

The hexagram has appeared in Christian (including Catholic) art and architecture for centuries, often as a geometric or symbolic motif rather than a strictly "Jewish" one. It sometimes represents creation (six points for the six days, or the union of divine and human), the Star of Creation, or simply decorative geometry.

Here are some well-documented examples:

- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, DC): The great dome features Marian symbols enclosed within six-pointed stars, explicitly representing the royal House of David and Mary's Judaic lineage.

- Other churches: Hexagrams appear in medieval European cathedrals, stained glass, and Byzantine-influenced designs, as decorative elements symbolizing harmony or protection.

- Pope Benedict XVI's mitre: One of his ceremonial mitres included prominent hexagrams, interpreted by some as homage to saints like St. Augustine (whose tomb effigy features similar designs) or as a "Seal of Solomon/Creator’s Star." This use highlights continuity with historical Christian symbolism.

These instances show the symbol's presence in Catholic spaces, often tied to biblical themes like David's lineage (from which Jesus descends) rather than modern Jewish nationalism.

St. Patrick's cathedreal in NYC, the see of the Archbishop of New York

Antisemitism Among Catholics and Protestants

Antisemitism—prejudice or hatred against Jews—has unfortunately appeared in both Catholic and Protestant traditions, often rooted in historical theological misunderstandings (e.g., deicide charges or supersessionism).

- Among Catholics: Historical anti-Judaism (e.g., medieval restrictions or forced conversions) sometimes overlapped with antisemitism. In modern times, some radical "traditionalist" or sedevacantist groups (who reject Vatican II reforms) have been criticized for perpetuating antisemitic views, including conspiracy theories or rejection of Nostra Aetate (Vatican's 1965 declaration condemning antisemitism and affirming the Church's Jewish roots). Organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center have identified certain extreme traditionalist factions as significant sources of antisemitism in the U.S., though mainstream Catholicism strongly condemns it.

- Among Protestants: The Reformation era saw mixed attitudes. Martin Luther's early openness toward Jews turned harshly antisemitic in later writings (e.g., "On the Jews and Their Lies"), which influenced later prejudices. These texts were exploited by Nazis and some 20th-century groups. Modern Protestantism varies widely—many denominations have repudiated this legacy through dialogues and statements—but remnants persist in some fundamentalist or nationalist circles.

The Catholic Church has unequivocally condemned antisemitism as incompatible with the Gospel and Christian faith. This teaching is rooted in the Second Vatican Council's Declaration Nostra Aetate (promulgated October 28, 1965), which marked a historic turning point in Catholic-Jewish relations.

 Key Teachings from Nostra Aetate

In Section 4 of the document, the Church explicitly addresses the relationship with the Jewish people and antisemitism:

- The Church acknowledges a profound spiritual bond and shared patrimony with Judaism: Christianity draws its origins from the Jewish people (Abraham's stock), the Old Testament, the Patriarchs, Moses, the prophets, and the fact that Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and early disciples were all Jews. The Church is "grafted" onto the olive tree of Israel (cf. Romans 11:17-24).

- It firmly rejects the notion of collective Jewish guilt for the death of Christ: While some Jewish authorities and their followers pressed for Jesus' crucifixion, this cannot be charged against all Jews of that time or against Jews today. Jews are not to be presented as "rejected or accursed by God," as this contradicts Holy Scripture.

- The Church decries "hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone." This condemnation is motivated by the Gospel's spiritual love (not political reasons) and extends to rejecting all forms of discrimination based on race, color, condition, or religion as foreign to the mind of Christ.

This declaration was groundbreaking, repudiating centuries of harmful "teaching of contempt" toward Jews and affirming God's irrevocable covenant with the Jewish people (cf. Romans 11:29: "the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable").

 Ongoing Church Teaching and Papal Statements

Subsequent popes and Church bodies have consistently reaffirmed and strengthened this position:

- Pope Pius XI (pre-Vatican II) planned an encyclical condemning antisemitism (though not completed due to his death).

- St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis all emphasized that antisemitism is a sin against God and incompatible with Christianity. Pope Francis repeatedly stated that "a Christian cannot be antisemitic" because of Christianity's Jewish roots, describing hatred toward Jews as a contradiction to the faith. In a 2024 letter to Jewish communities in Israel, he condemned all forms of anti-Judaism and antisemitism as "a sin against God" and expressed concern over rising global attacks on Jews.

- The Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews (established post-Vatican II) has promoted dialogue, issued guidelines for catechesis, and collaborated with Jewish organizations to combat antisemitism.

- Recent commemorations (e.g., the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate in 2025) saw Pope Leo XIV reaffirm that the Church "does not tolerate anti-Semitism and fights against it, on the basis of the Gospel itself," noting that all his predecessors have condemned it clearly.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not have a dedicated paragraph on antisemitism, but the Church's magisterium integrates this condemnation into broader teachings on human dignity, love of neighbor, and rejection of hatred/discrimination (e.g., CCC 1934–1938 on equality of all people; CCC 839–840 on the Jewish people's unique role in salvation history).

In essence, the Catholic Church teaches that antisemitism is evil, a sin, and fundamentally opposed to Christ's command to love. It calls Catholics to foster mutual respect, dialogue, and fraternity with Jews, recognizing Judaism as the root from which Christianity grew. This commitment remains a core aspect of modern Catholic doctrine, actively promoted through education, interfaith initiatives, and public statements, especially amid contemporary rises in antisemitism.

Salvation is from the Jews!

The phrase "salvation is from the Jews" comes directly from the New Testament, specifically John 4:22, where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well.

In the Gospel of John (chapter 4), Jesus engages in a conversation with a Samaritan woman about worship and living water. After discussing the differences in worship between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus states:

> "You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews." (John 4:22, various translations such as NABRE, RSV, NIV)

This is Jesus himself affirming that salvation originates from the Jewish people—meaning the Messiah (Jesus) comes from the Jewish lineage, the revelation of God (the Old Testament Scriptures) was entrusted to the Jews, the covenants, the law, the promises, and the patriarchs all belong to them (cf. Romans 9:4-5). The Savior, born of the tribe of Judah and the line of David, was sent first to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), making Judaism the root from which Christianity emerges.

 Catholic Interpretation and Teaching

The Catholic Church fully embraces this verse as a foundational truth about the Jewish roots of Christianity. It underscores that:

- Christianity is not a separate invention but the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

- Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and the early Church were all Jewish.

- The Church is "grafted" onto the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11:17-24), and God's gifts and call to the Jewish people are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

This is reflected in key Church documents:

- Nostra Aetate (Vatican II, 1965, no. 4) highlights the spiritual bond between the Church and the Jewish people, noting that the Church draws its origins from them and that "salvation comes from the Jews" in the sense of the Messiah's Jewish identity.

- The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 839) quotes Romans 9:4-5: "To the Jews 'belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ'." It describes the Jewish faith as a unique response to God's revelation in the Old Covenant.

- Post-Vatican II documents, like "The Gifts and the Calling of God are Irrevocable" (2015), reaffirm that salvation comes through Christ (the universal mediator), but emphasize the enduring role of the Jewish people in salvation history without endorsing "two paths" to salvation. The Church proclaims Christ as the Savior for all, including Jews, while rejecting any notion of collective rejection or curse on the Jewish people.

John 4:22 is the direct biblical source for the statement, spoken by Jesus himself. The Catholic Church teaches this as a profound affirmation of Judaism's central place in God's plan of salvation—salvation comes from the Jews through the Messiah they brought forth, and it extends to all humanity, including the Jewish people, through faith in Christ. This truth combats antisemitism by honoring the shared heritage and God's fidelity to His covenant with Israel.

The post calls out such attitudes, especially among self-identified Catholics, as incompatible with Church teaching. The Catholic Church teaches that Christianity is the "fulfillment" of Judaism (not replacement in a derogatory sense), with Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and early Christians all Jewish. Denying this shared heritage contradicts core doctrine.

In summary, the hexagram has legitimate, non-idolatrous uses in Catholic tradition, and conflating it with the Star of Remphan often reflects misinformation. Antisemitism has no place in authentic Christianity—Catholic or Protestant—and efforts to combat it, including recognizing Judaism's enduring covenant role, remain vital today.  If you are a Catholic or claim to profess faith in Christ and hate Jews or mock the Star of David, shame on you hypocrit!  There is a place in hell for you for mocking Jesus, His faith, ethnicity and culture which stems from God's original chosen people.

Some so-called "traditionalist" #Catholics and even others have made jabs against our account because we have the Magen David/Star of David on it. Others have erroneously referred to it as the Star of Remphan. Why is this? Do they even have any education?

The Star of David… pic.twitter.com/JlvfA3bXjY

— ☧✝️Sacerdotus™⚛✡🇻🇦☧ (@Sacerdotus) July 22, 2025