In this book Eric W. Gritsch, a Lutheran and a distinguished Luther scholar, faces the glaring ugliness of Martin Luther's anti- Semitism head-on, describing Luther's journey from initial attempts to
In this book Eric W. Gritsch, a Lutheran and a distinguished Luther scholar, faces the glaring ugliness of Martin Luther's anti- Semitism head-on, describing Luther's journey from initial attempts to proselytize Jews to an appallingly racist position, which he apparently held until his death.
Comprehensively laying out the textual evidence for Luther's virulent anti-Semitism, Gritsch traces the development of Luther's thinking in relation to his experiences, external influences, and theological convictions. Revealing greater impending danger with each step, Martin Luther's Anti-Semitism marches steadily onward until the full extent of Luther's racism becomes apparent. Gritsch's unflinching analysis also describes the impact of Luther's egregious words on subsequent generations and places Luther within Europe's long history of anti-Semitism.
Throughout, however, Gritsch resists the temptation either to demonize or to exonerate Luther. Rather, readers will recognize Luther's mistakes as links in a chain that pulled him further and further away from an attitude of respect for Jews as the biblical people of God. Gritsch depicts Luther as a famous example of the intensive struggle with the enduring question of Christian-Jewish relations. It is a great historical tragedy that Luther, of all people, fell victim to anti-Semitism -- albeit against his better judgment.
Robert Kolb
-- author of Martin Luther: Confessor of the Faith
Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis
"Against his background of growing up in the Third Reich, his participation in interfaith dialogue over the years, and his more than half a century of studying Luther, Eric Gritsch, a widely respected church historian, provides readers with a broad survey of those who used or ignored the Reformer's utterances on the Jews, and he critiques a large number of recent scholarly commentators on the subject, concluding that 'Luther's anti-Semitism is an integral part of his life and work . . . but his anti-Semitism is neither in harmony with the core of his theology nor with the stance of the Apostle Paul' and is thus 'against his better judgment.'"
Denis R. Janz
-- Loyola University New Orleans
author of The Westminster Handbook to Martin Luther
"Gritsch brings to this project a lifetime of Luther study, and it shows. This foundation grounds the whole work, from its thorough rehearsal of the relevant texts, to its judicious account of Luther's impact, to its masterful use of the secondary literature, to its compelling conclusion. Highly recommended."
Reviews in Religion and Theology
“This book will serve well readers inside and outside of the academy, whether as an introduction to the issue or as another voice contributing to the ongoing discussion.”
Booklist
“A superb first-resort source on Luther and his relationship with Judaism.”
Theology
“A thorough study that is both accessible, and thus recommendable for clergy, and simultaneously engages deeply with its sources.”
Sixteenth Century Journal
“This carefully documented study goes far in providing a basis for an honest dialogue between Lutherans and the Jewish people.”
Renaissance Quarterly
“A thought-provoking historical and theological analysis of the German Reformer’s attitudes towards Jews and Judaism. This brief but dense book is especially valuable for its comprehensive appraisal of the textual evidence of Luther’s hostility toward Jews and for its nuanced conclusions. . . . Excellent work. . . . Important reading.”
Journal of Ecclesiastical History
“Gritsch offers a useful survey not only of Luther’s writings on the Jews but also of the historiography.”
Common Ground
“Here is a book worth reading to begin to discover another aspect of Luther’s complexity. Moreover, this work carries a much-needed reminder of the importance of positive Jewish-Christian relations today.”
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