Learning from the Christian rescuers: Lessons for the churches

Research on the rescuers has shown that some were Christians whose activities on behalf of Jews during World War II were, at least in part, religiously inspired. This article argues that these religious rescuers have left behind important clues for the churches as they respond to Christian moral failure during the Holocaust and seek to be morally stronger communities today. Eight lessons for the churches are proposed, in the following areas: Christian attitudes toward Jews; character formation; Christian community; piety and spirituality; the Bible; religious tolerance; patriotism; and Christian moral leadership.