Origen and Augustine’s Role in Supersessionism •Origen (185–254 AD): Promoted allegorical interpretation of Scripture, claiming Old Testament promises to Israel were spiritually fulfilled in the Church. •Augustine (354–430 AD): Formalized this idea, teaching that the Church replaced Israel as God’s people. In The City of God, he argued Israel’s role ended after rejecting Christ, and the Jewish diaspora was divine punishment. Why Supersessionism is evil. 1.Denial of Israel’s Future: It rejects the literal fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, ignoring prophetic passages like Ezekiel 36 and 37, which describe the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. •Ezekiel 36:24-28: God promises to gather Israel from the nations, cleanse them, give them a new heart, and restore them to their land. •Ezekiel 37:21-22: The vision of the dry bones declares that God will reunite Israel as one nation under His rule. 2.Fosters Antisemitism: By portraying Jews as rejected by God, Supersessionism has historically justified persecution, marginalization, and denial of Jewish identity. •Medieval theology used this to rationalize oppressive policies against Jews. 3.Distorts God’s Character: It undermines God’s faithfulness by suggesting He breaks His covenants, despite passages like Jeremiah 31:35-37 that affirm His eternal promises to Israel. Biblical Rebuttal •Romans 11:1-2: “Has God cast away His people? Certainly not!” Paul affirms that God’s promises to Israel remain intact. •Genesis 17:7-8: God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants is eternal. •Ezekiel 36 and 37: God’s promises of national restoration for Israel remain literal and future, pointing to His faithfulness. Why It Matters Supersessionism ignores God’s ongoing plan for Israel and fosters a theology that has contributed to centuries of antisemitism. A proper understanding of Scripture recognizes the Church’s inclusion alongside Israel, not in place of it (Romans 11:17-24), affirming that God’s covenants are irrevocable.