Language:
French
Year of publication:
1999
Titel der Quelle:
Revue des Etudes Byzantines
Angaben zur Quelle:
57 (1999) 141-161
Keywords:
Olster, David Michael.
;
Christianity and antisemitism History To 1500
;
Antisemitism
;
Polemics
Abstract:
Refutes the view of David Olster (in his book "The Politics of Usurpation in the Seventh Century", 1993), who argues that the anti-Jewish polemics of the 7th-8th centuries were aimed at boosting the political confidence of Eastern Christians in the face of Islam, the Jew being just a frontman for the new Muslim enemy. Criticizes Olster for downplaying the religious dimensions of the conflict and letting his theory dictate his dating of the documents. Contends that although the texts may be considered unreliable because they refer to fictional disputations, their mere existence proves that there were strong controversies between Jews and Christians in the crumbling Byzantine Empire. The crisis between Jews and Christians grew so deep in the East in the beginning of the 7th century because the dramatic political events were preceded by mounting religious tensions. Concludes that the texts reflect Christian concern about having to confront two religions contesting its status as the heir of Israel. The contours are drawn of a new, triangular set-up, the Jew remaining the foremost enemy, not a mere rhetorical tool.
Note:
Appeared also in "Juifs et chrétiens en Orient byzantin" (2010) 465-483. Appeared in English as "Anti-Jewish polemic and the emergence of Islam" in "Doctrine and Debate in the East Christian World, 300-1500" (2011) 85-107.
URL:
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