Language:
English
Year of publication:
2004
Titel der Quelle:
Philosemitism, Antisemitism and 'the Jews'
Angaben zur Quelle:
(2004) 114-131
Keywords:
Martyrdom Judaism To 1500
;
History
;
Jews History Middle Ages, 500-1500
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism To 1500
;
History
;
Holy Cross History of doctrines Middle Ages, 600-1500
Abstract:
Disputes the view that accusations of Jewish desecration of the crucifix were antisemitic fabrications, considering such actions in the context of Jewish acts of martyrdom. Discusses the repulsion with which the visible signs of Christianity were regarded by medieval European Jews. Examines the specific forms, especially non-verbal, which such repudiation took, and also the (paradoxically) related issue of the cross's attraction to medieval Jews, by whom it could be regarded not only as an idolatrous object, but also as one of illicit desire. These two dimensions could dovetail in such brazen actions as urinating or rudely exposing oneself in the presence of the cross, actions which, not surprisingly, were often followed by martyrdom.
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