Nature and Origins of Medieval Anti Semitism
The purpose of this essay is aquaint those with little or no knowledge on the matter of anti-semitism, more specifically, anti-semitism in the late Middle Ages1. This essay will examine the nature and origins of anti-semitism in a political, economic and social context, aswell as the rise and spread of Christianity and its ties to the coming of the Crusades. ... why study anti-semitism? and more specifically, why study medieval anti-semitism? ... The answer, while a rather complicated one in full, is that the anti-semitism exhibited today traces from it’s beginnings in medieval times and even earlier. ... The definition of “anti-semitism” is regarded as hostility toward or prejudice against the Jewish people or Judaism, as well as the characterized discrimination against the Jews2. ... The nature or expression of medieval anti-semitism was very evident, as shall next be examined. There were many expressions of anti-semitism in the Middle Ages, from art to philosophy to politics to social interaction and so on. Because there are numerous examples that could be cited, an attempt will be made to illustrate some of the major anti-semitic expressions, ideas and thought towards the Jews of this era. ... In response to these revolts, many of the peasants were removed and sent off to various areas of medieval Europe, where most ended up living in poverty of the major cities. Because of this, large, sprawling communities were founded (comprised of a considerable population of Jewish peasants) and were urban, rather than agricultural, in nature. ... In the rapid evolution of medieval society that contained peasants, feudal lords and merchants, it seemed beneficial for these individuals( the latter two) that money be lent on some form of accord. ... The system at the same time, further increased anti-semitic attitudes toward the Jews, out of resentment for increased loan interest rates and jealously for the moderate successes they experienced. ... Oddly enough, it was in fact a Jew who spurred the investigation by the Pope of those very scriptures, and its discovery that it was a primary source of Judaism in the time of Christ, that is contained anti-Christian literature, came across as shocking to many of the faith. ... The anti-semitism of the Church against the Jews began with the Father of the Church making relentless attacks on Jews who refused to accept Jesus as their savior13. ... And it did so by incorporating anti-Jewish theology into Christian teachings. ... Myths were spread, notably the myth of “blood libel”16, a popular anti-Jewish myth that gained widespread acceptance was the notion that Jews murdered Christians because they need blood to perform satanic rites. ... According to medieval myth, Jews thought the Christian blood could purge the diseases caused by their own corrupt blood, or cure the wounds caused by circumcision. ... Conversion was a central issue in Spain, where the combination of secular and sacred anti-semitism resulted in decades of forced mass conversions, the most famous being "The Great Conversion" of 1391 in which 100,000 Spanish Jews converted, 100,000 were murdered and 100,000 hid or immigrated to Muslim countries. ... The goal of this essay was to aquaint and educate the reader on the matter of medieval anti-semitism, in an analysis of its nature and of its origins. In general, the study of anti-semitism, both modern and ancient, is vital in the immense effort being set forth to abstain ignorance on the matter and to never again revisit the inexplicable atrocities of history bestowed on the Jewish people (nor anyone else for that matter).