Martin Luther, Jews, and Judaism: A Re-Examination

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.

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 considered a pioneer of intercultural and interdisciplinary academic interactions between Jews and Christians. He published numerous articles and books, including The Book of Esther between Judaism and Christianity (2023).