But the Jews are so hardened that they listen to nothing; though overcome by testimonies they yield not an inch. It is a pernicious race, oppressing all men by their usury and rapine. If they give a prince or magistrate a thousand florins, they extort twenty thousand from the subjects in payment. We must ever keep on guard against them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Luther makes hostile claims about Jewish people and their financial practices.
- In plain terms
- He says they are evil and should be avoided.
- What can you take from it?
- Hate speech can emerge from theological prejudice.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do stereotypes form?
- What is the harm of hate speech?
Another view
This quote expresses dangerous racial and religious hostility.
More from Martin Luther
I cannot forbid a person to marry several wives, for it does not contradict Scripture.
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