Dying in the Law of Moses

Miriam Bodian's study of crypto-Jewish martyrdom in Iberian lands depicts a new type of martyr that emerged in the late 16th century—a defiant, educated judaizing martyr who engaged in disputes with inquisitors. By examining closely the Inquisition dossiers of four men who were tried in the Iberian peninsula or Spanish America and who developed judaizing theologies that drew from currents of Reformation thinking that emphasized the authority of Scripture and the religious autonomy of individual interpreters of Scripture, Miriam Bodian reveals unexpected connections between Reformation thought and historic crypto-Judaism.

-- Joseph Haberer * SHOFAR *

. . . an excellent study that successfully brings together many diverse strands of scholarship and will appeal to students of religion, Judaism, and Iberian history alike. 61.2 (Summer 2008)

-- Sara T. Nalle * William Paterson University *

Bodian's study is both moving and illuminating. . . . a major contribution to converso studies and a demonstration of intellectual honesty.Vol. 33.2

* AJS Review *

Throughout, Bodian has crafted a rich and accessible narrative.... [This] is a readable and thoughtful volume that raises many important questions....Vol. 87. 3 May 2010

-- DEAN PHILLIP BELL * Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, Chica