"Adversus Iudeos" or "Pro Iudeos"? "Pro-Converso" Theology in the Fourth Part of Friar Luis of Granada`s Introduction of the Symbol of Faith (1583)

In this lecture I will argue that the Fourth part of Fray Luis de Granada`s Introduction of the Symbol of Faith, was a catechism addressed to the New Christians of Jewish origin. I will argue that this book was intended as a means to protect and educate the conversos, in spite of its "Adversus Iudaeos" appearance. Moreover, by elaborating on few of its arguments and themes, I will show that Fray Granada`s tract was deeply imbued with Pauline "Pro Converso" theological overtones, which were developed in Spain during the 15th century by "pro converso" characters. Doing that, I will finally as ask whether Fray Granada`s pro-converso catechism was an exception in his time.