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[T]he Jewish people were driven by their drunkenness and plumpness to the ultimate evil; they kicked about, they failed to accept the yoke of Christ, nor did they pull the plow of his teaching. Another prophet hinted at this when he said: 'Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer.' : Although such beasts are unfit for work, they are fit for killing. And this is what happened to the Jews: while they were making themselves unfit for work, they grew fit for slaughter. This is why Christ said: 'But as for these my enemies, who did not want me to be king over them, bring them here and slay them.' (Luke 19:27)

John Chrysostom#1

ReligionHistoryChristianityWarPrejudiceCriticismJudgment

About this quote

What does it mean?
The text claims the Jewish people were driven to evil by their complacency and refusal to accept Christian teachings.
In plain terms
The author argues that the Jewish people rejected Christ and became deserving of punishment.
What can you take from it?
This passage argues that rejecting divine authority leads to destruction.

Where it applies

  • religious debate
  • historical analysis
  • theological critique

Putting it to work

  • study historical religious conflicts
  • analyze theological arguments

Questions to consider

  • How do religious texts reflect historical prejudices?
  • What is the impact of dehumanizing rhetoric?

Another view

The content contains historically harmful antisemitic tropes and generalizations.

More from John Chrysostom

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  3. Nothing is more miserable than those people who never failed to attack their own salvation. When there was need to observe the Law, they trampled it under foot…

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