Slomšek’s Attitude Towards Judaism

Abstract

The important role of bl. Anton Martin Slomšek (1800–1862) in the initial ecumenical works in Central Europe is relatively well researched. But there is practically no research on his attitude towards Judaism. With this research, we discover his theoretical relationship to Jews and their biblical traditions by reviewing his sermons and pastoral texts, where he largely draws from the Bible. From his interpretations of passages of the word of God, it is possible to deduce his attitude. Since in many pastoral views and attitudes he practically »overtakes« the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, we find that his theological-pastoral foreboding was similarly advanced in this area. In essential lines, it coincides with the ideas expressed for the universal Church by the Second Vatican Council in its statement Nostra aetate (1965). We also looked for traces of possible Slomšek’s direct personal contacts with Jews, since at the introduction of the diocesan seat in Maribor (1859) there were also a few Jews, but for now historically traces of such contacts could not be found.

Keywords

• slomšek
• judaism
• jews of maribor