Contemporary Christians usually suppose that Christianity is quite congenial to the democratic ideals that are the basis of free, open Western societies. Among these ideals is freedom of religion, which encourages a broad tolerance for different belief systems. Nonetheless, a careful examination of core Christian beliefs and the history of Christianity reveal little tolerance for thinking or acting outside the orthodox Christian tradition. In this enlightening analysis of key "New Testament" texts, historian of early Christianity Gerd Ludemann discusses the inherently intolerant attitude that has characterised monotheistic belief systems generally and Christianity in particular. As Ludemann points out, Christianity evolved within the context of the pluralistic Roman Empire, which generally allowed separate belief systems as long as political allegiance to the Roman state was never questioned. Ironically, Christians inherited their essential intolerance from Judaism, whose first commandment is the expression of a jealous God: "I am the Lord your God". Thou shalt have no other gods before me". After Christianity became the state religion of Rome, tolerance disappeared and did not reappear on the world stage until the European Enlightenment of the 18th century. Besides the discussion of these issues, Ludemann presents a textual analysis in five chapters of some of the letters in the "New Testament". In each case he translates the letter, presents textual commentary, and demonstrates how the text reflects Christian intolerance of heretics and non-believers. In conclusion, Ludemann suggests that attempts to harmonise Christianity with the democratic ideal of tolerance cannot really work because there is a logical contradiction between monotheism and Christology, on the one hand, and the core values of a pluralistic society, on the other.
Gerd Ludemann is a professor of the history and literature of early Christianity at the University of Goettingen, Germany. Professor Ludemann's published conclusions about Christianity aroused great controversy in his native Germany, where the Confederation of Protestant Churches in Lower Saxony demanded his immediate dismissal from the theological faculty of his university. Despite this threat to his academic freedom, he has retained his post at the university, although the chair he holds was renamed to disassociate him from the training program of German pastors. Ludemann is also the author of Jesus After 2000 Years, Paul: The Founder of Christianity, and The Resurrection of Christ: A Historical Inquiry.
Tolerance in the Old Testament, Judaism and the Greco-Roman World at the Time of the New Testament Writings; The Second Letter to the Thessalonians; The Second and Third Letters of John; The First and Second Letters to Timothy, and the Letter to Titus; The Letter of Jude and the Second Letter of Peter; Epilogue: Intolerance, Gospel, Church.
""Tolerance or intolerance? Which of the two is promoted by the New Testament? And why? Only a close reading of the early sources can answer these questions. And only an independent expert can do this job. Ludemann's exegesis is impeccable, and the answer he comes up with is as straightforward as it is convincing: the representatives of the early church followed Jewish monotheists in their intolerance toward unbelievers and heretics. A fascinating book to read and to ponder." Dr. BERNHARD LANG Professor of Religious Studies, University of Paderborn Germany Honorary Professor of Divinity, University of St. Andrews, UK Editor of the International Review of Biblical Studies "This fascinating and probing book shows tolerance and intolerance delicately balanced between theological inquiry and historical investigation regarding the New Testament....A solid and compelling piece of scholarship, the book often reads as an apologetic treatise, with Ludemann engaging what he sees as an incongruousness between religious pluralism, which champions tolerance, and the biblical text, which is inherently intolerant....Certain to fire up debate, this work is recommended for theological and academic libraries." LIBRARY JOURNAL
