A monumental figure. Do not share the opinion that he was anti-Jew. Luther had a charismatic way of expressing himself (ie against the Diet of Worms) — Luther was criticizing the Jews for their stubbornness that they’ve historically had against God (a criticism that God was first to state historically). Was it over the top? Yes. Was Luther anti-semitic. No.
I hope you have your flame-proof suit on...
Anti-Semitic? What would ever give someone that idea?
“First, to set fire to their synagogues or schools … This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom, so that God might see that we are Christians …”
“Second, I advise that their houses also be razed and destroyed.”
“Third, I advise that all their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught, be taken from them.”
“Fourth, I advise that their rabbis be forbidden to teach henceforth on pain of loss of life and limb …”
“Fifth, I advise that safe-conduct on the highways be abolished completely for the Jews. For they have no business in the countryside …”
“Sixth, I advise that usury be prohibited to them, and that all cash and treasure of silver and gold be taken from them …”
“Seventh, I recommend putting a flail, an ax, a hoe, a spade, a distaff, or a spindle into the hands of young, strong Jews and Jewesses and letting them earn their bread in the sweat of their brow … But if we are afraid that they might harm us or our wives, children, servants, cattle, etc., … then let us emulate the common sense of other nations such as France, Spain, Bohemia, etc., … then eject them forever from the country …”
He had little tolerance for anyone who disagreed with him, whether Jew, Catholic, or Protestant. He told his followers to “wash their hands in the Papists’ blood”, for example.