Heather,
It is information I have discovered over the past 10 years of being a part of the Messianic Jewish community, beginning with our Congregation’s membership class which has a class on the history of the church and it’s relationship with the Jews. Then I continues my own research. Info on Luther is a part of Jewish history readings, even upper elementary age children; I think it should be a part of the teachings on the history of the Christian church’s, too. It doesn’t do anyone anyone favors to sugar-coat the failings of influential people, especially when it comes to church and Jewish relations for the past 2000 years.
I, too, growing up a Methodist, was not aware of this history. Though, Deitrich Bonhoeffer was aware in his time of the tradition passed down from Luther and historians recognize Luther’s influence on Hitler (Hitler’s ideas weren’t new-just more efficient and worsened by Darwinistic rascism). So it’s from my personal study and subsequent readings from Jewish history texts for children that we do as a family as we do as apart of my children’s heritage history (being that they are Jewish).
Two links for you:
Jewish Virtual Library
wiki
I should say, I don’t think he was much different than his contemporaries and, excepting a short time period of trying to convert them early on, he continued in the tradition of oppression and persecution passed down to him through the church over the centuries; I just would like a little more honesty in dealing with his other harmful contributions to history, in addition to his important Reformation activities.
I thought about posting a link to a copy of his actual text, but decided against it…couldn’t spread that garbage around. If you want to read it, it’s free online.
Rachel
