Eternal Damnation In Germany Analysis

The Reformation in Germany famously began on 1517 when Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-Five Theses on the door of a church. From there on out, this priest from Germany became a key theological figure. Over the span of his career, Luther wrote about a variety of subjects and people. Despite that he is famous for criticizing the Catholic Church, he is not recognized and branded for his writings about the Jews. In examining this topic, historians have varied interpretations upon the matter. The first school of thought resides on the idea that the Jews were enemies of Christ while the most recent interpretation focuses on the aggravation the Jews placed on Luther. The first group of historians argued that the Jews should be eradicated for the sake

These actions are explicitly stated in the same pamphlet as previously stated “On the Jews and Their Lies”. These actions included: burning down schools and synagogues, destroying homes, taking away prayer books, forcing rabbis to not preach anymore, withholding protection on the highways, outlawing usury, and lastly enforcing work upon the hands of the Jews. With the application of these actions, Luther believed and hoped that the Jews and their beliefs would vanish. Even if they did survive the onslaught of the force taken against them, the Jews would see that they are not welcomed anymore. Therefore, they would either be forced to leave altogether or convert to Luther’s ideals and beliefs. Luther also made it clear to other Christians to stay clear of the Jews. He strongly urged Christians to not make themselves “partners in their devilish ranting and raving by shielding and protecting them, by giving them food, drink, and shelter.” Luther simply advocated for an ultimate separation from them in hopes that no one would come close into falling into the devil’s hands and eternal