Oh the Perils of a Lack of Education!
Dungeonwriter has said she would like to give Oliver Cromwell an award for his treatment of Jews. The mind boggles! Does she think he was a special friend of Jews? He wanted to use them for political ends. This is from a pro-Cromwell source:
"There was interest in Jewish matters in the leadership of the Commonwealth and Protectorate for two reasons, one pragmatic and the other doctrinal. The pragmatic reason was that based on the international trade and commercial connections of the Amsterdam Jewish community it was recognised that a strong Jewish presence in London would be advantageous. With flourishing links to the East and West Indies and to the New World Jewish traders in London could make the city to Amsterdam as a commercial centre.
The doctrinal reason was the belief amongst godly Protestants, including Cromwell, that the conversion of the Jews to Christianity was essential before Christ would return to reign on earth. 1656 was thought by some to be the actual year in which this would happen."
From: http://www.olivercromwell.org/jews.htm
So yes, dear, the Jews were more tolerated under Cromwell (there were Jews in England throughout the Stuart Age, but they had to be discreet). However, they were tolerated because he could exploit them and because his bizarre religion insisted that they must all be converted to Christianity. Still love the cuddly little tyrant?
She does have the honesty to admit that his other behaviour was monstrous, but frankly, her whole post is like suggesting we give Hitler an award for bringing the German people together and then adding a footnote saying, "Obviously, the whole holocaust situation was a bit naughty."
Frankly, I think it would do the girl good to spend a year actually learning some history before she makes herself look even more ignorant.
"There was interest in Jewish matters in the leadership of the Commonwealth and Protectorate for two reasons, one pragmatic and the other doctrinal. The pragmatic reason was that based on the international trade and commercial connections of the Amsterdam Jewish community it was recognised that a strong Jewish presence in London would be advantageous. With flourishing links to the East and West Indies and to the New World Jewish traders in London could make the city to Amsterdam as a commercial centre.
The doctrinal reason was the belief amongst godly Protestants, including Cromwell, that the conversion of the Jews to Christianity was essential before Christ would return to reign on earth. 1656 was thought by some to be the actual year in which this would happen."
From: http://www.olivercromwell.org/jews.htm
So yes, dear, the Jews were more tolerated under Cromwell (there were Jews in England throughout the Stuart Age, but they had to be discreet). However, they were tolerated because he could exploit them and because his bizarre religion insisted that they must all be converted to Christianity. Still love the cuddly little tyrant?
She does have the honesty to admit that his other behaviour was monstrous, but frankly, her whole post is like suggesting we give Hitler an award for bringing the German people together and then adding a footnote saying, "Obviously, the whole holocaust situation was a bit naughty."
Frankly, I think it would do the girl good to spend a year actually learning some history before she makes herself look even more ignorant.