Bishop Lennart Koskinen

Luther the Anti-Semite

History & Biography

“Without Luther, we would have a different Europe. Thus it is logical that this 500th anniversary is celebrated, for better and worse, during the whole of 2017. His anti-Semitism has for long been emphasized by his enemies and silenced by his followers. Very few have really tried to modulate his views, trying to analyze and deeply understand, without of course accepting the mistakes. This is what Alon Goshen-Gottstein is really doing. His manuscript has been an eye-opener for me as a Lutheran theologian and bishop. He is concluding his study in “The Luther model”, which opens for a deeper understanding, not only for Martin Luther, his theology, and historical significance but also for how basically good religious thoughts can go wrong. One can hope that 500 more years will not have to pass before the atrocities of some present interpretations of Islam will be described in a similar way, allowing for Islam’s deeper spiritual content be unveiled. This book is a role-model for good interreligious dialogue and deeper understanding also of views you cannot share.”

Bishop.