
Martin Luther, Jews, and Judaism
A Re-Examination
Isaac Kalimi(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 11. April 2025
Book
Hardback
98 pages
978-1-032-48333-7 (ISBN)
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 antisemitic 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, antisemitism, and Jewish-Christian relations.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate
Illustrations
16 s/w Abbildungen, 16 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder
16 Halftones, black and white; 16 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
280 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-48333-7 (9781032483337)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
approx. 07/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€30.00
Not yet published

E-Book
04/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€31.49
Available for download

E-Book
04/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€31.49
Available for download
Person
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; and an ordinary member of Academia Europaea. 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).
Content
1. Introduction 2. Luther's Perception towards Jews and Judaism, and His 'Judeophilia' 3. Luther's Judeophobia 4. The Rationale Behind Luther's Judeophobia 5. "Cross or Expulsion and Death": The Key Factor for Luther's Judeophobia 6. Additional Factors for Luther's Judeophobia 7. The Foundations of Luther's Judeophobia 8. The Impact of Luther's Judeophobia 9. Conclusion Appendix: Luther's Attitude towards Handicapped Children