Language:
English
Year of publication:
1990
Titel der Quelle:
Byzantinoslavica
Angaben zur Quelle:
51,2 (1990) 177-188
Keywords:
Maximus Confessor
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism To 1500
;
History
;
Jews
;
Judaism Relations
;
Christianity
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism
Abstract:
Discusses a letter written by the Greek theologian Maximus the Confessor (ca. 580-662) decrying the forced conversion of Jews and Samaritans in Carthage in May 632 on the orders of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius. Brings evidence of other writings of the period which show a singular lack of animosity towards the Jews in the Roman Empire during Heraclius' reign. Contends that Heraclius' motives for this forced conversion cannot be attributed to fear of an impending Arab threat, as some scholars have claimed, because the Arabs were not yet viewed then as a serious threat. Rather, Heraclius may have been influenced by extremist theologians. Maximus opposed forced conversion for several reasons, mentioning fear that the converts would undermine the faith of true believers.
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