Monsters and Madonnas - by Judith Gold (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Judith Taylor Gold challenges traditional views that trace the source of Christian anti-Semitism to the presentation of Jews in the first four books of the New Testament. She contends that the unflattering depiction of Jews in the gospels and other Christian writings is the result--not the cause--of Christian anti-Semitism. Traversing widely ranging subjects such as pre-Christian religion, New and Old Testament scripture, horror literature, incest and pornography, she invokes an imperative "exchange of dialectics" between the unconscious mind and the hidden content of the Christ story as the birthplace of Christian anti-Semitism.

Review Quotes

Monsters and Madonnas should be widely read, widely discussed, widely debated. It is controversial, psychological, original--and terrifying.-- "Joseph Wershba, former senior producer, CBS 60 Minutes"

A brilliant and provocative explanation of what was previously inexplicable--the pervasiveness and intractability of anti-Semitism. . . . It is a must read for all Christians, for all Jews, and for people of good will who would try to root out the sin and the crime of anti-Semitism.-- "Alan M. Dershowitz"

Human beings are still trying to reclaim the night from the terrors and demons. This book is a unique contribution to scholarship, and to our literature.-- "Karen DeCrow, former national president, National Organization for Women"

What makes this book so remarkable is not just its highly original approach to a problem of blazing concern, but its combination of genuine scholarship and literary talent.-- "Norman Cousins"

About the Author

Judith Taylor Gold is a scholar of Bible and religion. She lives in upstate New York.