Polemics and Conversion: Setting and Crossing Boundaries in Medieval Jewish–Christian Relations
A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444). This special issue belongs to the section "Religions and Humanities/Philosophies".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 November 2026 | Viewed by 2
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Jewish–Christian relations in the Middle Ages were defined by the contrasting parameters of proximity and separation—in everyday life as well as in religious, legal and cultural spheres. Concerns about the influence of the other side on one's own group were addressed not only through religious and secular laws and rules of conduct but also through polemics. These polemics provided a means of demarcation which, through rhetorical, literary or visual attacks on the opposing side (be it Jewish or Christian), served above all to strengthen the religious identity and social cohesion of one's own group.
In contrast, conversion meant the crossing of this boundary by turning away from one's previous religious identity and joining the other (most often Christian) group. This issue posed religious and social challenges for both sides (albeit under very different circumstances) that could be dealt with in different ways depending on the specific circumstances and the means that the affected group had at their disposal.
This Special Issue of Religions invites contributions that analyze the impact of polemics, conversion or the combined effect of both on medieval Jewish–Christian relations from various perspectives. The thematic approach is intentionally broad; both general investigations as well as comparative or specific case studies from the fields of Jewish studies, theology, religious studies, history, art history and literary studies as well as interdisciplinary approaches are welcome. Potential research areas include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Christian anti-Jewish polemics in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts
- Anti-Christian Jewish polemics
- Reception and impact of polemics
- The role of polemics in connection with anti-Jewish violence
- Ecclesiastical and rabbinical approaches to the topic of conversion
- Legal aspects of conversion
- Involuntary conversion and forced baptism
- The impact of conversion on Jewish individuals, families and communities
- Christian and Jewish attitudes toward converts
- Regretted conversion and return to the original religion
We ask that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing their intended contribution by 28 February 2026. Please send it to the Guest Editor (eveline.brugger@injoest.ac.at), or to the Assistant Editor of Religions (evelyn.zeng@mdpi.com). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purpose of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer reviews.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Eveline Brugger
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- Middle Ages
- Jewish history
- conversion
- polemics
- Jewish–Christian relations
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
