John Chrysostom and the Jews: Rhetoric & Reality in the Late 4th Century

by Robert L. Wilken

John Chrysostom, the golden mouth, the greatest preacher in the early church and a key figure during the transition from the ancient to the Byzantine and medieval worlds, is known as a vehement critic of the Jews. In this study, Robert Wilken presents a new interpretation of John's homilies against the Jews, setting them in the context of the pluralistic society of fourth-century Antioch and against the tradition of ancient rhetoric. In reading John's homilies, Wilken argues, we must not impose on them the anti-Jewish attitudes of medieval times, when Christianity was the dominant force in the West and Judaism was a minority religion. In John's time, Christianity was only one, and by no means the most self-assured, of the cultural forces in Antioch. It had to compete with an established Jewish community and with the classical pagan tradition that underlay education and public life. In 363, the Roman emperor Julian, who had apostatized Christianity to embrace the traditional pagan religion, attempted to rebuild the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. He terrified the Christians, who saw in the Temple's ruins proof of the truth of their religion. Wilken examines John's sermons against this atmosphere of intense religious rivalry and lively polemic between Christians, Jews, and pagans. His book calls not only for a fresh look at John Chrysostom but also for a reconsideration of the continued importance of Judaism in late antique society and in the history of Christianity. Its conclusions will be of interest to historians and theologians, and to participants in the present-day Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Genres: Church History, Religion

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[David Padrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

A thorough and well researched examination of the various factors that contributed to Chrysostom's rhetoric, but lacking any significant criticism of his errors. While Wilken successfully explains the theological, historical and rhetorical contexts that explain Chrysostom's words, he seems to regard those factors as a 'blank check'.

The reality is that while on one hand Chrysostom spoke with the rhetorical style of the time, on the other hand today we would consider such rhetoric 'ear-tickling' (in biblical terms) and I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that Chrysostom's willingness to embrace this style was a serious error. Not once does Wilken consider that the rhetorical style significantly jeopardized the clear and legitimate communication of truth that every preacher should be (and will be!) held to biblically. The same is true of Chrysostom's crude theology regarding Israel, which Wilken acknowledges as having error only in a brief aside at the end of the book. This further exemplifies Wilken's willingness to write Chrysostom a blank check based simply on the 'excuse' provided by the time he lived in.

Ultimately, I was impressed by the depth of the research and the thorough treatment of the subject. However, Wilken seems all to comfortable writing off Chrysostom's extreme speech as simply the product of history and style, missing the opportunity to critique Chrysostom according to biblical standards. Like a good historian Wilken challenges the reader not to judge a historical character unfairly and according to anachronistic standards, but like a critical secular historian he neglects to test Chrysostom's speech and theological assertions against the truth of God's revelation.

It may not have been Wilken's intention to evaluate Chrysostom's teaching beyond simply examining the context, but to fail to do so seems particularly negligent.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read on early Christianity lately. Explains the cultural and intellectual milieu that produced Chrysostom, including the Antiochians' (by today's standards) bizarre fascination with rhetors and rhetoric. Wilken goes into the customary forms of praise and abuse in public rhetoric, which included a degree of exaggeration that was understood by contemporary auditors but which would escape modern readers. Puts the accusation of anti-semitism against Chrysostom in a new light. Chrysostom's main targets were not Jews, but Judaizing Christians. A virtuoso effort by Dr. Wilken.

[Jon Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely academic, but very good.

[Aron M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Founder of anti-semitism and leader of the greatest canard of all time.