Martin Luther’s legacy of writings against the Jews is very well known in theological and historical circles, which have been pondering over the meanings behind the writings and the factors that influenced Luther’s views of the Jews. A close reading of Luther’s works regarding the Jews reveals a major change in both tone and content from generally conciliatory and amiable to violent, vitriolic rants against the Jewish People. Luther’s tone is not the only aspect of his writings on Jews that changes though. This paper will explore not only the change in Luther’s tone with regard to the Jews, but also how Luther’s view of censorship of Jewish writing, conversion of the Jews, and the nature of his anti-Judaism changed. Luther’s shift in
…show more content…
Brooks Schramm and Kirsi I. Stjerna claim that Luther believed in opposing the civil authorities who allow Jews to blaspheme. They write, “If expulsion is not acceptable, then the civil authorities in Protestant territories must be urged to practice a sharp mercy toward the Jews so as to prevent them from continuing to blaspheme.” In the infamous On the Jews and Their Lies of 1543, Luther develops his “harsh mercy,” which is a delineated plan to end Jewish blasphemy. It includes burning down synagogues, destroying Jewish houses, confiscating Jewish writings, and conducting other acts which seem to foreshadow some of the actions of the Nazis prior to and during World War …show more content…
Luther’s tone is consistent with his tirades against the Pope, or as Luther calls him, the Antichrist. Additionally, Luther wanted the Jews to convert to Christianity, so in the beginning, when he thought it possible for many Jews to convert, he spoke to them and about them in a very amiable and inclusive way. Luther’s writing to Charles V in a very similar tone to try to make Charles V join the Protestant side parallels Luther wanting the Jews to convert. Luther always knows his audience and that he wants something from them, so he adjusts his tone
Brooks Schramm and Kirsi I. Stjerna claim that Luther believed in opposing the civil authorities who allow Jews to blaspheme. They write, “If expulsion is not acceptable, then the civil authorities in Protestant territories must be urged to practice a sharp mercy toward the Jews so as to prevent them from continuing to blaspheme.” In the infamous On the Jews and Their Lies of 1543, Luther develops his “harsh mercy,” which is a delineated plan to end Jewish blasphemy. It includes burning down synagogues, destroying Jewish houses, confiscating Jewish writings, and conducting other acts which seem to foreshadow some of the actions of the Nazis prior to and during World War …show more content…
Luther’s tone is consistent with his tirades against the Pope, or as Luther calls him, the Antichrist. Additionally, Luther wanted the Jews to convert to Christianity, so in the beginning, when he thought it possible for many Jews to convert, he spoke to them and about them in a very amiable and inclusive way. Luther’s writing to Charles V in a very similar tone to try to make Charles V join the Protestant side parallels Luther wanting the Jews to convert. Luther always knows his audience and that he wants something from them, so he adjusts his tone