Martin Luther, a well know known figure throughout the Christian world, is not widely known for his view on Jews. This is especially true in America among 'Evangelical' Protestants.
Rather, he is well known for bringing the Latin texts of the Bible to his native German language. Probably most generally known for; pushing back against the Roman church which ultimately led to the separation of churches, which have remained apart to this day.
These and the many other influential things he did are generally regarded as positive, at least in the Protestant world -- This Protestant world that looks on the Jewish people of today in a very positive light.
There is a phrase, Judaeo-Christian, which implies Kinship between Jewish and Christian peoples. There is also a political bond between the United State and Israel which many millions of Christians support wholeheartedly. Another purpose of the term is to highlight common values shared between the two.
For those Christians described above, who know little of either the Jew or Luther, reading Luther will be very difficult. Especially for those with strong views on the significance of Israel in relationship to the Christian faith. Or to those believing that the Jewish have a shared destiny with Christians by way of a birthright.
A Christian often has many good things to say about Luther.
Now the Jewish. Luther had very few, if any, good things to say about them.
In 1543 he published a 65,000 word treatise called 'The Jews & Their Lies". Here is it's opening statement.
I had decided not to write anymore, neither of the Jews, nor against the Jews. Because I have learned, however that those miserable, wicked people do not cease trying to win over to themselves us, that is, the Christians also, I have permitted this booklet to go forth that I might be found among those who have resisted such poisonous undertaking of the Jews, and have warned the Christians to be on their guard against them.
I would not have thought that a Christian would permit himself to be fooled by the Jews to share their exile and misery.
But the Devil is the God of the world, and where God's word is not, he has easy sailing, not only among the weak, but also among the strong. God help us. Amen.
Martin Luther (1483 – 1546), German professor of theology, composer, priest, and monk, and seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.
Full Text is available online of The Jew & Their Lies in various formats. Print copies are plentiful on Amazon.
