by Casey Clay

Created on: July 09, 2008

As has always been the case throughout history, our current society is but a reflection of our past experience. The relationships amongst the world's religions are also something that has been developed throughout the passage of time. These interactions date back to the beginnings of these various religions. Perhaps one of the oldest existing major religions in the world, Judaism has been through many trials and tribulations throughout its history.

One of the most peaceful and yet turbulent times for Judaism has to be during the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe was the era of the Christian Church. Because of this, cohabitation between Jews and Christians was inevitable. This cohabitation resulted in bouts of both peace and conflict.

Historians typically recognize the 5th century CE as being the beginning of the medieval period of history. It was at this time that the Roman Empire was in decline and the Germanic tribes of Europe were becoming the dominating forces. The Christian Church was still in its beginnings and was just now beginning to consolidate power.

From the 5th through the 8th centuries Jews were widespread throughout Europe. During the height of the Roman Empire many Jews were enslaved and transported to areas across Europe. This was done in an effort to prevent Judea from rising up against their Roman overlords. The Jews in Europe were widespread throughout the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries.

During this time Jewish people lived in relative peace. There was little interaction between Jews and people of other religions. The Christian Church had not consolidated power over all of Europe yet. There were many areas of diverse religious beliefs. Many of the shamanistic religious beliefs of the Germanic and Celtic tribes were still in practice. Because the Church did not have centralized power at this time, there was not uniform attitude towards Jewish people.

Those that were Christian at this time did not persecute those of the Jewish faith. Saint Augustine's philosophy on the relationship between Christians and Jews held for some time. Augustine stated that Jews were witnesses to the death of Jesus of Nazareth so they should not be killed. Their presence within Christian communities should be maintained to remind Christians of the death of Jesus.

However, rules were very strict on relations between Christians and Jews. Jews were not allowed to own Christian slaves. They were not allowed to employ Christians. Jews were not allowed to marry

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• Next Page >>