Classical Histories in Reformation Postils: Pericopic Preaching on the Jews and the Destruction of the Temple

Preaching was an important medium for disseminating images of Jews and Judaism during the Reformation, but scholars have neglected the reliance of preachers on classical histories, particularly those of Josephus, to construct these images. By examining postil sermons delivered annually on the Tenth...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Sixteenth century journal Vol. 55; no. 1-2; pp. 113 - 132
Main Author Strauss, Paul
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Chicago University of Chicago Press 01.03.2024
Subjects
16th century
17th century
Clergy
History
Information sources
Jewish people
Judaism
Protestant Reformation
Religious beliefs
Religious education
Sermons
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Summary:Preaching was an important medium for disseminating images of Jews and Judaism during the Reformation, but scholars have neglected the reliance of preachers on classical histories, particularly those of Josephus, to construct these images. By examining postil sermons delivered annually on the Tenth Sunday after Trinity and printed in German-speaking lands between 1514 and 1622, this study argues that histories were central to the portrayal of Jews and Judaism by Lutheran, Catholic, and Reformed preachers. This clerical portrayal explained the Christian understanding of Jews and Judaism and sociopolitical status of early modern Jews, but in the context of the Reformation the image further served the doctrinal and moral programs of the clergy and built confessional identity. This research illustrates the importance of non-biblical sources in Reformation preaching and the application of clerical learning for cultural and historical instruction of the broader population in addition to religious teaching.
ISSN:0361-0160
2326-0726
DOI:10.1086/731071