Dean P. Bell, Martin Hauger, and Mark R. Silk
In his early works, Luther discouraged mistreatment of the Jews and advocated their conversion by proving that the Old Testament could be shown to speak of Jesus Christ. As the Reformation continued, Luther lost hope in large-scale Jewish conversion to Christianity and grew more and more hostile toward the Jews. A panel featuring Mark R. Silk, Trinity College, Hartford; Dean P. Bell, Spertus Institute, Chicago; and Martin Hauger, High Consistory of the Evangelical Church in Germany, will examine Martin Luther’s changing opinion on Jews as well as the impact of the Reformation on Christian-Jewish relations in the 16th century. This program is co-presented with the Leo Baeck Institute, Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Paul, and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany. A reception follows. Sponsored by the Arnhold Foundation.
*The exhibition Word and Image: Martin Luther's Reformation will be open for program attendees during museum hours, 11 am–6 pm.
Lucas Cranach, Luther as a monk, 1520. Oil on panel. Gotha Schloss Friedstein.