Have you ever heard the theory that Christopher Columbus was Jewish?

There are multiple sources that believe this theory is true (just try a simple Christopher Columbus Jewish Google search) although not widely taught in public education.

According to the History Channel they also have 10 “additional facts” about Christopher Columbus that are not always widely discussed:

1.) Columbus didn’t set out to prove the earth was round. 2.) Columbus was likely not the first European to cross the Atlantic Ocean. 3.) Three countries refused to back Colombus’ voyage. 4.) Nina and Pinta were not the actual names of two of Columbus’ three ships. 5.) The Santa Maria wrecked on Columbus’ historic voyage. 6.) Columbus made four voyages to the New World. 7.) Columbus returned to Spain in chains in 1500. 8.) A lunar eclipse may have saved Columbus. 9.) Even in death, Columbus continued to cross the Atlantic. 10.) Heirs of Columbus and Spanish monarchy were in litigation until 1790.

But now to the theory that Christopher Columbus was Jewish:

In a Huffington Post article published on May 22, 2012, we read that:

“Some scholars, after analyzing Columbus’ will and other documents, have devised a new theory about the explorer. They believe he was a Marrano, or a Jew who pretended to be a Catholic to avoid religious persecution. These historians also theorize that Columbus’ main goal in life was to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim control, and that he decided to take his historic quest to North America in order to find a new homeland for Jews who had been forced out of Spain…

“Scholars also point to the real financiers of the voyage as evidence of the trip’s purpose. While most schoolchildren grow up learning that the expedition was financed by Queen Isabella, historians say it was mostly paid for by two prominent Jews who had been forced to convert to Catholicism, Louis de Santangel and Gabriel Sanchez.”

It is also recorded that Don Isaac Abrabanel, a rabbi and Jewish statesman, helped fund the voyage. Also, the first two letters Columbus sent back were addressed to Santangel and Sanchez telling them of his discoveries.

Does this theory come as a surprise to you?

There is quite a bit of evidence that would suggest that this theory is true. Columbus’ final will included a request that one tenth of his income (a tithe) be given to the poor, and that part of his

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus set foot on the fine white sands of an island in the Bahamas, unfurled the Spanish royal standard and claimed the territory for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Although Columbus thought he was in Asia, he had actually landed in the “New World.” History—for better and worse—would never be the same again.

income would provide a dowry for poor young ladies—long-held Jewish traditions. Columbus was originally scheduled to set sail on August 2, 1492 on the day that happened to be *Tisha B’Av which marks the destruction of the First and Second Temple. The departure was postponed one day, perhaps in order to avoid setting sail on this unlucky and somber day of remembrance. Instead, Columbus set sail on the day that the Spanish government gave Jews three choices: convert, leave, or die. It is amazing to think about the fact that quite possibly North America was discovered with the heart intention of finding a safe place for the Jewish people to call home, and thereby a place of religious freedom and independence. Regardless of what you believe about Christopher Columbus, when we fast-forward to US independence, it is clear that our founding fathers desired to give birth to a nation of independence and freedom. I hope that during this season of Independence you celebrate some of the values that our country was founded on even though we have strayed so far. And I would encourage you to take this time to pray for our leaders and pray for America rather than curse her with our complaints. Let us pray together that America would remain a thankful, independent, and free nation! *Tisha B’Av 2015/5775 falls on July 25th. Curt Landry Ministries will be hosting an immersion service on that evening. For information write to: clm@www.curtlandry.com