A Columbus Day History Lesson

from the October 09, 2007 eNews issue

On March 31, 1492, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella issued a royal decree ordering all Jews to leave the Spain and its territories or convert to the Catholic faith. The deadline was set for August 3rd of that year. If any Jews were found in Spain after this period they were to be killed. Before midnight on August 2nd, Christopher Columbus and his crew boarded their ships. At dawn Columbus (whose voyage was financed by wealthy and influential Jews, and who himself may have been of Jewish descent) set sail on his now-famous voyage to the New World.

More than two months after setting sail in Spain, on October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his fellow explorers arrived in the America. It was an adventure that changed the course of human history - which is why we celebrate Columbus Day each year on the second Monday of October. This Thursday marks the 515th anniversary of that discovery.

The Alhambra Decree, also known as the "Edict of Expulsion," which forced the Jews to convert or flee Spain, was part of the Spanish Inquisition that began in 1480. The Spanish Inquisition sought to rid Spain of Jews, Muslims, false converts, and heretics (although it was also motivated by the desire for political power and profit). It is interesting to note that on the Jewish calendar the deadline for the Alhambra Decree was the 9th of Av, also known as Tisha B'Av. The 9th of Av has become a symbol of all the persecutions and misfortunes of the Jewish people. It is a day of mourning that marks the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Spanish Inquisition and its counterparts encompass one of the bloodiest periods in the history of the church. During the Inquisition(s) millions of people were slaughtered for the crime of "heresy" by Roman Catholic persecutors. In fact, Pope Innocent III murdered far more Christians in one afternoon than any Roman emperor did in during his entire reign.

Most Christians today have only a vague knowledge of the history of the church. However one cannot understand the present (and the prophetic future) without a perspective of the past. Likewise, one cannot understand the Protestant Reformation without an appreciation of the events that led up to it. Chuck Missler and Dave Hunt examine the history of the church in the briefing pack The Kingdom of Blood (click here for special offer).

To learn more about Christopher Columbus (and his possible Jewish heritage) read the article on our website titled "Mysteries Behind our History: Was Columbus Jewish?"