"Discrimination against Jews can be read in Thomas Aquinas, and insults against Jews in Martin Luther"
- Lionel Blue
About this Quote
This quote by Lionel Blue is describing the anti-Semitic views of two prominent Christian theologians, Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther. Aquinas was a 13th century Italian theologian and philosopher who composed extensively on the relationship in between faith and factor. In his works, he revealed an unfavorable view of Jews, claiming that they were inferior to Christians and should be dealt with as such. Martin Luther, a 16th century German theologian, was a lot more outspoken in his anti-Semitism. He wrote that Jews were a "base, whoring individuals, that is, no individuals of God, and their take pride in family tree, circumcision, and law must be accounted as filth." He also required Jews to be expelled from Christian lands. This quote by Lionel Blue is a reminder of the long history of discrimination and prejudice versus Jews in Christian societies. It is a plain suggestion of the need to fight anti-Semitism and promote tolerance and understanding.
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