John Chrysostom an anti-semite?

[seekerz]

We run into real problems interpreting writings and even customs of times long past in the light of present experiences.

While I know very little of the rest of his writings, John Chrysostom, like the rest of us must surely have been shaped by the times he lived in.

The use of terms such as ‘dog’ and ‘pig’ to describe those of another faith is seen in ancient writings of more than one major religion (I’ll just leave it at that). While this may seem shocking, it has to be taken in historical context, I believe. This is especially so when you consider some practices that were considered acceptable in ages past and that generally faded in most societies as they matured: slavery, polygamy, child marriage to name a few.

On another note, I believe it is important to differentiate between hatred of Jews and rejection of their beliefs. One is anti-semitism, the other is not. Just some days ago on this forum someone expressed the view that Muslims worship the Devil - is that hate speech or simply rejection of the Islamic faith? Sometimes we have to look deeper than the words. We have to look at the speaker’s life and actions.

 

[rome1453]

Also, St. John did not live in this era of straddling the fence and being tolerance. I view tolerance as a sin since you are saying that all religions are all the same. St. John was a defender of the faith in a time where it was fashionable to be a Christian and cleaned up Constantinople of liturgical abuses and clergy abuses. We could use one of him in our time.

I am just stating what I know. St. John is my patron saint.

Sbdn. John Patterson

 

[seekerz]

Also, St. John did not live in this era of straddling the fence and being tolerance. I view tolerance as a sin since you are saying that all religions are all the same. St. John was a defender of the faith in a time where it was fashionable to be a Christian and cleaned up Constantinople of liturgical abuses and clergy abuses. We could use one of him in our time.

I am just stating what I know. St. John is my patron saint.

Sbdn. John Patterson

Not sure why you would view tolerance as a sin. I guess it depends on your definition.

To me, it simply means loving people (as in treating fairly, being respectful of etc.) regardless of what faith they profess.

If God can love and care for them despite their not accepting Him, surely I can do no less.