The history of conversos , Jews forced to convert to Christianity, is filled with horrific tragedy and irony. In 1506 in Lisbon, Christians played Simeon and Levi to “Shechemite” Jews (cf. Genesis 34) as mobs slaughtered a couple of thousand conversos . One would have thought that baptism might provide a modicum of protection for Jews.
More ironically, in order to keep newly converted Jews in their place, Spain and Portugal passed statutes requiring “purity of blood,” statutes that prevented Jewish converts form marrying Christians, joining colleges and monasteries or civic organizations.
Having brought the Jews into the church, the Spanish and Portuguese immediately began Judaizing.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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