The Sept. 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk has triggered a dispute within the conservative movement. Following his death, conspiracy theories emerged linking his assassination to Israel. Those theories have widened into a full-blown conflict over conservatism’s relationship with Israel and Judaism itself.
The lightning rod of this tension is Nick Fuentes. Known for his controversial views on Jews, Fuentes sat for an interview with Tucker Carlson, sparking intense backlash. While Fuentes’ influence is climbing among Gen Z conservatives (he has over half a million followers on Rumble, a streaming platform), right wing leaders have condemned Carlson for hosting him.
As Gen Z Catholic conservatives—Fuentes’ target audience—how should we navigate this conflict? Fuentes, an open Catholic, pairs criticism of Israel with his beliefs that Jews are enemies of Christianity and have no place in American politics. As fellow Catholics, should we embrace his position? Or should we call for his cancellation?
It is important to distinguish between moral and political positions when answering these questions. And when approaching Judaism from a moral standpoint, we should rely on Catholic teaching. So, what does the Church actually say about the Jews?
“Nostra aetate,” a 1965 declaration from Vatican II, states that “The Church … decries hatred … directed against the Jews at any time and by anyone.” Like every person, Jews are created in God’s image; therefore, the Church condemns antisemitism.
There is also a direct Biblical reckoning with the Jewish rejection of Christ. Curt Stambaugh, an associate scholar with Franciscan’s Veritas Center for Ethics and Public Life and an affiliate of Philos Catholic, points to Romans 11 for guidance.
Stambaugh says that Romans 11 “specifically deals with the question of how Gentile Christians should view non-believing Jews. It’s the exact same situation that we are in today.” In Romans 11, Paul explains that though many Jews did not recognize the Gospel, God has not turned his back on them: “God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.” (Romans 11:2).
Earlier, in Romans 9:4-5, Paul praises the gifts of Judaism. He writes, “They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah.” By covenant, there is a clear relationship between Catholics and Jews that Paul highlights.
Therefore, from a moral standpoint, Catholics should acknowledge their brotherhood with the Jews. They should also clearly identify what the Jews got wrong about the Messiah. But they must not slip into hatred while they defend the truth.
From a political standpoint, legitimate criticism of Israel is not taboo. Israel, like any other nation, has strengths and flaws. Questioning some of its actions is not antisemitism. However, Stambaugh warns against double standards that subject Israel to more intense scrutiny than other nations. Critics should be fair, neither villainizing nor canonizing Israel.
With this moral and political background, how should Gen Z Catholics respond to Fuentes? First, they should not resort to meltdown. Fuentes is a master of ragebait, the majority of his statements are jokes, and demanding cancellation would make him into a martyr. (And he would probably just roast you during his stream.)
Instead of reacting emotionally, Catholics should think through his claims. When you see one of his clips, consider: Sure, it might be funny, but is it true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious or worthy of praise? (Philippians 4:8) And does it match the teachings of the Catholic faith he professes?
Finally, pray for him and the conversion of the Jews. Christ desires mercy and salvation for Fuentes, the Jews and all of us, so we must fervently extend that mercy through prayer.