Eight Homilies Against the Jews

by John Chrysostom

While in their writings Hilary and Eusebius introduced the pagan world to this strange version of Jewish history, Chrysostom expressed similar theories with much greater violence from his pulpit at Antioch. In eight sermons which he delivered in 387 he speaks with a bitterness and lack of restraint unusual even in that place and century {PG Vol 97). If it were not for the exegetical background which has already been shown, it would be impossible to explain, let alone excuse, his tone. Christianity was no longer in any danger. He himself had not, like Athanasius, ever known any persecution from the Jews, and the period of trial under Julian had been very short. Even had they been a menace in old times, the rich and powerful Jewish community of Antioch was now hemmed in, like every other, by numerous imperial edicts issued under Christian inspiration. Moreover, Chrysostom was a man whose character excited the admiration of his contemporaries. If he was hated by politicians for his unswerving firmness, he was loved by the multitudes, and his commentaries on the gospels are still read and studied in the Orthodox Church because of their deep spiritual beauty.

Genres: Theology, Judaism, Christianity, Religion

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2010

About the author

John Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Greek: Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος), Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic sensibilities. After his death in 407 (or, according to some sources, during his life) he was given the Greek epithet chrysostomos, meaning "golden mouthed", in English and Anglicized to Chrysostom.

The Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches honor him as a saint and count him among the Three Holy Hierarchs, together with Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzus. He is recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church as a saint and as a Doctor of the Church. Churches of the Western tradition, including the Roman Catholic Church, some Anglican provinces, and parts of the Lutheran Church, commemorate him on 13 September. Some Lutheran and many Anglican provinces commemorate him on the traditional Eastern feast day of 27 January. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria also recognizes John Chrysostom as a saint (with feast days on 16 Thout and 17 Hathor).

John is known in Christianity chiefly as a preacher, theologian and liturgist. Among his homilies, eight directed against Judaizing Christians remain controversial for their impact on the development of Christian antisemitism.

Reviews

[Aid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

It really doesn't get any better than this.

[Matej Ramzes Jukić · Rating 5 out of 5]

I warmly recommend this book. It's a classic and must read for every Catholic.

[Dryden Joss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heed the warning.

[Cw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, but repetitive. Read until you get the idea. You wont miss out on anything by finishing it after that.

[Fulton Sheen · Rating 3 out of 5]

These homilies, delivered in Antioch in the late fourth century, reflect the zealous pastoral care of a bishop striving to preserve the flock entrusted to him from what he perceived as a significant spiritual danger: the syncretism of Christian and Jewish practices. Saint John, with his characteristic rhetorical force, sought to delineate sharply the distinctiveness of the Christian way, urging his faithful to avoid Jewish festivals, fasts, and gatherings, and even to hold the synagogue in a certain abomination, precisely because, as he argued, those who worshipped there possessed the prophets but failed to believe their witness to Christ. His intention, undoubtedly, was to strengthen the nascent Christian identity and prevent a regression into older forms of worship that, in his view, had been superseded by the coming of the Messiah.

However, a discerning spirit, illumined by the subsequent unfolding of Catholic teaching, particularly in our own era, must view such polemics with a charitable and contextual lens. While the fervor of the Golden-Mouthed orator to protect the integrity of Christian belief is laudable, the expressions employed, when detached from their specific historical and pastoral emergency, may, alas, be prone to misinterpretation and could inadvertently foster sentiments contrary to the spirit of love and understanding that should bind all of God's children. The Church, in her wisdom, has since deepened her understanding of the profound spiritual bond she shares with the Jewish people, our elder brethren in faith, recognizing the enduring covenant and the common patrimony of the Old Testament. Thus, while we acknowledge St. John Chrysostom's rightful place among the Doctors of the Church and his unwavering defense of Christian truth, we must always balance historical context with the perennial call to charity and mutual respect that is at the heart of the Gospel of Christ.

[Christian Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent sermons and polemics against Judaizers and Judaism. The biblical knowledge and pastoral heart of Chrysostom are evident throughout these homilies.

While Chrysostom’s theology and understanding of history were great in my opinion, I was left a bit confused about whether he believed the Jews or individual Jews could repent and believe in Christ. Now, this was a polemic aimed at saving the brothers in his own church, so I understand why he didn’t feel the need to preach to Jews as opposed to his congregants. I’d definitely be interested in reading where Chrysostom speaks on that if he does. Perhaps the answer is obvious and the question stupid, which is why he didn’t bring it up.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great apologetic for the Christian faith showing the errors of Judaism. Especially helpful for showing the errors of dispensationalism’s views of a rebuilt temple and the importance of the destruction of the temple in 70ad. Also some interesting comments on demonology.

[John Trefz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addressing issues that are still persistent to this day among Christians.