Language:
English
Year of publication:
1993
Titel der Quelle:
Jewish History
Angaben zur Quelle:
7,1 (1993) 43-63
Keywords:
Rupert,
;
Herman,
;
Christian converts from Judaism
Abstract:
Against the background of the Church Reform movement of the late 11th-12th centuries, examines the anti-Jewish polemics of Rupert, abbot of Deutz (near Cologne), and the autobiography of a Jewish convert to Christianity, Herman's "Opusculum de conversione sua". Rupert's works criticize Jewish exclusiveness, their envy and hatred of non-Jews, and the Jews' blindness in denying Christ. He ascribes to their salvation through conversion. Herman's work, written ca. 1150, was intended for the monks and nuns of his order to explain what makes Jews convert to Christianity - not disputations or discussions with learned theologians, but the love shown by Christians for their Jewish enemies and the example of righteous Christian living (charity and prayer as opposed to Jewish hardness of heart). Both men supported the Reform program aimed at the Christianization of society, including the conversion of the Jews, albeit from different points of view. Concludes that the 12th century saw the beginning of the alienation of Jews in Christian society.
Note:
Reprinted in her "Christians and Jews in Dispute" (1998).
URL:
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