Jewish Christians in Puritan England

In the seventeenth century, Puritan sects in England adopted Jewish ritual practices to be recognized as a unique, positive, Godly minority. This quest for uniqueness united the Judaizing groups with other Protestant movements, and the depiction of Judaism in Christian rhetoric made them an ideal model for their salvation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

In the vibrant tapestry of seventeenth-century England, a remarkable phenomenon emerged: a surge of Puritan sects embracing Jewish ritual practices with fervor. From the ritual circumcision to the observance of the Sabbath and the strict dietary laws, these movements were met with labels by their contemporaries as Judaizers, sparking a range of proposed motives. Were these Judaizing steps an aberration of overzealous biblicism? Or were they a consequence of Protestant apocalyptic tendencies? Or perhaps, were they a response to the evolving status of Jews in Europe?

To unravel the complexities of this phenomenon, Aidan Cottrell-Boyce delves into the lives of Jewish Christians in Puritan England. In his insightful work, he reveals that the impetus behind this behavior lay not in a departure from Puritanism but rather in its very essence. The Judaizing groups, driven by a profound need to be recognized as a unique, positively distinctive, and Godly minority, found solace and unity in their quest for demonstrable uniqueness. This shared aspiration linked them with other Protestant movements, while the portrayal of Judaism in Christian rhetoric at the time made it an ideal model upon which to base the marks of their salvation.

Through meticulous research and a keen analytical eye, Cottrell-Boyce unveils the intricate interplay between Puritanism, Judaism, and the broader cultural context of seventeenth-century England. He explores the motivations behind the Judaizing steps, shedding light on the complex interplay between religious identity, cultural assimilation, and the quest for salvation. The book offers a fresh perspective on a period of profound religious and social transformation, challenging our understanding of the past and illuminating the enduring legacies of this fascinating chapter in history.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227177952