Martin Luther, Jews, and Judaism: A Re-Examination#
Isaac Kalimi#
Read the latest publication by Prof. Isaac Kalimi, member of the Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies section of Academia Europaea since 2020.Description#
This book
explores Martin Luther’s attitudes towards Jews and Judaism, considering his approach in the historical, religious, theological, and cultural context of late Middle Ages Europe. During his career, especially in the later stage, Luther made numerous venomous comments and wrote violently anti-Semitic tracts. Reflecting on these statements and writings, the book maintains that Luther’s stance cannot be excused as a reaction to issues with family, health, or ageing, or as an integral part of society’s norms. The author argues that Luther’s Judeophobia was rooted in a reading of the Old and New Testaments, and in the Christian anti-Jewish tradition, education, and fundamental theological worldview on Jews and Judaism that he chose to escalate. Other factors discussed include Luther’s fears of ongoing Jewish intellectual influence and ‘Jewish magical power’, as well as his deep disappointment at the Jewish rejection of his newly reformed Church. Providing an invaluable perspective on Martin Luther’s position, the book will be of interest to scholars of religion, theology, history, anti-Semitism, and Jewish-Christian relations.
Book Series: Routledge Focus on Religion
Publisher: Routledge, London, UK
Publication date: April 8, 2025
ISBN: 9781032483337
About Isaac Kalimi#
Isaac Kalimi is Gutenberg Professor (emeritus) in Biblical and Jewish studies at the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz; Senior Research Fellow at the University of Chicago. He is one of the most prolific original thinkers and an influential scholar today and is considered a pioneer of intercultural and interdisciplinary academic interactions between Jews and Christians. He has published numerous articles and books, including The Book of Esther Between Judaism and Christianity (2023).
Isaac Kalimi is considered as one of the most prolific, original thinkers, and an influential scholar today, and considered a pioneer of intercultural and interdisciplinary academic interactions between Jews and Christians.
