Forerunners of Modernity? The Conversos

Beyond the question of anti-Judaism, the conversos’ fates, networks, and positionings have been used to discuss questions of crypto-religiosity, martyrdom, and belonging. Yirmiyahu Yovel designated the conversos as “forerunners of modernity,” and highlighted their importance for the modern transformation of religion, the rise of the individual, religious hybridity, and plural identities. This lecture series touches upon some of the discussions provoked by the book and the background needed to understand fully the conversos’ impact and importance.