The impact of Auschwitz: Jewish and Christian theological responses to the Holocaust

As the Nazi Holocaust recedes further into history, it is possible to assess with greater objectivity its influence on contemporary theologies. Irving Greenberg's description of the Holocaust as an "orienting event" suggests that it ought to cause a reexamination and reshaping of values within the Jewish and Christian traditions. By examining both the writings of Jewish and Christian theologians who see in the Holocaust lessons which lead to significant religious transformations, and the liturgies and official statements which reflect some of these changes, I intend to demonstrate that a new religious awareness has emerged. After Auschwitz, humans are called to assume greater responsibility in the fight against evil by creating valid theological space for adherents of other religions, and by wrestling with traditions which have led to persecution and disdain of the other. I hope to demonstrate that it is reasonable to perceive in the Holocaust some fundamental lessons about humankind which ought to shape contemporary theologies.Thesis (M.A.)--University of Calgary (Canada), 1995.School code: 0026