John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom was an ancient Greek Christian, Archbishop of Constantinople, and Church Father. He was born in the fourth century and died in the early fifth century.

Quotes

 * “The synagogue is worse than a brothel... it is the den of scoundrels and the repair of wild beasts... the temple of demons devoted to idolatrous cults... the refuge of brigands and debauchees, and the cavern of devils. It is a criminal assembly of Jews... a place of meeting for the assassins of Christ... a house worse than a drinking shop... a den of thieves, a house of ill fame, a dwelling of iniquity, the refuge of devils, a gulf and abyss of perdition... I hate the synagogue... I hate the Jews...”, John Chrysostom, Against the Jews.


 * “... The Jewish people were driven by their drunkenness and plumpness to the ultimate evil; they kicked about, they failed to accept the yoke of Christ, nor did they pull the plow of his teaching. Another prophet hinted at this when he said: “Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer.” ... Although such beasts are unfit for work, they are fit for killing. And this is what happened to the Jews: while they were making themselves unfit for work, they grew fit for slaughter. This is why Christ said: “But as for these my enemies, who did not want me to be king over them, bring them here and slay them.” [Luke 19:27] ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily I, Against the Jews.


 * “... the godlessness of the Jews and the pagans is on a par. But the Jews practice a deceit which is more dangerous. In their synagogue stands an invisible altar of deceit on which they sacrifice not sheep and calves but the souls of men. ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily I, Against the Jews.


 * “... demons dwell in the synagogue, not only in the place itself but also in the souls of the Jews. ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily I, Against the Jews.


 * “... What greater evidence could there be that a man does not love our Lord than when he participates in the festival with those [Jews] who slew Christ? ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily II, Against the Jews.


 * “... they [Jews] are abominable and lawless and murderous and enemies of God. ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily II, Against the Jews.


 * “... You Jews did crucify him [Jesus Christ]. But after he died on the cross, he then destroyed your city; it was then that he dispersed your people; it was then that he scattered your nation over the face of the earth. ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily V, Against the Jews.


 * “... Are you Jews still disputing the question? Do you not see that you are condemned by the testimony of what Christ and the prophets predicted and which the facts have proved? But why should this surprise me? That is the kind of people you are. From the beginning you have been shameless and obstinate, ready to fight at all times against obvious facts. ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily V, Against the Jews.


 * “... You [Jews] did slay Christ, you did lift violent hands against the Master, you did spill his precious blood. That is why you have no chance for atonement, excuse, or defense. ...”, John Chrysostom, Homily VI, Against the Jews.