Should Christians today even dare to enter into the discussion of
the Holocaust’s continuing significance? What can believers in
the gospel contribute to the ongoing discussion, as even now the
plague of virulent antisemitism seeks to duplicate some of the
same horrors the Holocaust has come to exemplify.
Who can blame Jewish people when they point to the Holocaust
as one of the main reasons why believing in Jesus is simply
not an option for a Jewish person? Many Christian leaders and
teachers have acquiesced to the position that the Holocaust
has put Jewish people “off limits” when it comes to evangelism.
Their reasoning is that, because of the Holocaust, Christians
have forfeited the moral authority to bring the gospel to Jewish
people. Case closed.
We will not, however, give up so easily. With sober minds and
humble hearts, we prefer not to offer explanations, but rather
questions that invite reflection with open-minded conversation
partners. As a point of departure, the following is a list of some
of the common Holocaust-related questions that both Jewish
people and non-Jews might ask to try and make sense of this
blight on humanity, along with some suggested responses.
# 1—WHERE WAS GOD DURING THE HOLOCAUST?
How can we reconcile the biblical assumption of God’s unfailing
goodness with the horrific events that took place from 1939–
1945? The question of where God was in the midst of suffering is
a usual and expected response. Who has not, at some time, cried
out as the Psalmist did, “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why
do You hide Yourself in times of trouble” (Psalm 10:1)?
As Bible believers and followers of Jesus the Messiah, we search
the Scriptures for answers to life’s most difficult problems. We
also trust in the very character of God revealed in the Bible, which
teaches that He is holy, good, righteousness, just, and merciful.
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