!!anti-semitism Martin

• What was Martin Luther's initial attitude towards Jewish resistance to the Catholic Church?

  He was apparently sympathetic.
• What caused Martin Luther to turn violently against the Jews?

  He expected them to convert to his purified Christianity.
• What type of language did Luther use throughout his career?

  Violent and vulgar language.
• How does the language used by religious figures in the early 16th century compare to today?

  It was not uncommon to use violent language.
• What is the main theme of Luther's work "The Jews & Their Lies"?

  • Opposition to Jewish influence on Christians
  • Accusations of deceit and blasphemy against Jews
  • Calls for action against Jewish practices
• What does Luther imply about the Jews in his statement regarding their influence on Christians?

  He believes they lure Christians into their guile.
• How does Luther describe the Jews in his writings?

  He refers to them as a "brood of vipers" and "blind fools."
• What biblical reference does Luther use to describe the Jews as "blind"?

  Luke 6:39.
• What does Luther warn Christians about regarding the Jews?

  He warns them to be on guard against misleading Jews.
• What metaphor does Luther use to describe the consequences of following the Jews?

  He compares it to a blind man leading a blind man into a pit.
• What does Luther claim is found in Jewish synagogues?

  A den of devils with lies and blasphemy.
• How does Luther characterize the livelihood of Jews?

  He claims they live by theft and robbery.
• What does Luther say about the Jews' ability to lie?

  He states they lie clumsily and ineptly.
• What does Luther suggest about the consequences of tolerating Jewish practices?

  It implicates Christians in their blasphemy.
• What actions does Luther recommend against the Jews?

  1. Burn their synagogues and schools.
  2. Destroy their houses.
  3. Confiscate their prayer books and Talmudic writings.
  4. Forbid rabbis from teaching.
  5. Abolish safe-conduct on highways for Jews.
  6. Prohibit usury.
  7. Force Jews to work for their livelihood.
• What does Luther suggest should be done with Jewish prayer books?

  They should be taken from them.
• What does Luther believe about the Jews' right to teach?

  He believes they have forfeited that right.
• How does Luther compare the treatment of Jews to a physician's treatment of gangrene?

  He suggests harsh measures are necessary to prevent further harm.
• What does Luther imply about the Jews' awareness of their actions?

  He believes they do not wish to know or learn the truth.
• What does Luther say about the Jews' fate if they do not change?

  They will be driven out like mad dogs.
• What does Luther hope his essay will provide to Christians?

  Material to defend against Jews and understand their beliefs.
• What does Luther express about the Jews' belief system?

  He claims it is false and influenced by devils.
• What does Luther pray for regarding the Jews?

  He prays for their conversion and for Christians to remain steadfast.
• What is the main concern expressed about the Jews in the text?

  The text expresses concern about the Jews reviling and blaspheming, leading to divine wrath.
• What does the author suggest Christians should do to the synagogues of the Jews?

  The author suggests that Christians should set fire to their synagogues or schools.
• What rationale does the author provide for burning the synagogues?

  The author believes it demonstrates that Christians do not condone the blasphemy against God.
• What does the author say about the past tolerance of Jews?

  The author claims that past tolerance will be pardoned by God.
• What does the author advise regarding the houses of Jews?

  The author advises that their houses should be razed and destroyed.
• How does the author view the living conditions of Jews in relation to their status in society?

  The author believes Jews should be made to feel they are living in exile and captivity.
• What does the author suggest should happen to Jewish prayer books and Talmudic writings?


  The author suggests that they should be taken from the Jews.
• What penalty does the author propose for rabbis who teach?

  The author proposes that they be forbidden to teach under pain of loss of life and limb.
• What does the author claim about the teachings of Moses in relation to the Jews?

  The author claims that rabbis misuse Moses' teachings to control the Jews.
• How does the author compare the pope's influence on Christians to that of Jewish rabbis on Jews?

  The author suggests both misuse their authority to control their followers.
• What does the author advise regarding the movement of Jews in the countryside?

  The author advises that safe-conduct on the highways for Jews be abolished completely.
• What does the author suggest should happen to Jewish usury practices?

  The author suggests that usury should be prohibited for Jews.
• What does the author propose to do with the money taken from Jews?

  The author proposes to use it to support converted Jews in starting new occupations.
• What does the author suggest should be done to young Jews and Jewesses?

  The author suggests they should be given tools to work and earn their bread.
• How does the author describe the work ethic of Jews in the text?

  The author describes them as lazy and idling away their time.
• What does the author believe will happen if Jews are forbidden to publicly praise God?

  The author believes Jews will continue to do so in secret.
• What metaphor does the author use to describe the treatment of Jews?

  The author compares the treatment of Jews to a physician cutting away gangrene.