In the year 1240, King Louis IX of France facilitated a high-profile interfaith debate known as the Disputation of Paris. This pivotal debate featured a Christian monk, often identified as the Dominican theologian Nicholas of Paris, and four learned rabbis, including prominent figures such as Moses Ben Nachman (Nachmanides). The location was Paris, a center of theological scholarship at the time, where Christianity and Judaism coexisted under conditions that were increasingly hostile to Jewish communities. The purpose of the debate was to engage in a rigorous examination and discussion of religious beliefs, with an ulterior motive to solidify the Christian doctrine and potentially convert Jews to Christianity. At the heart of the discourse were critical issues regarding the Messiah, the nature of God, and interpretations of biblical texts. This setting not only highlighted the intellectual currents of the time but also reflected the broader societal dynamics between Christian and Jewish populations.

The Disputation began on June 12 and garnered considerable attention from the public and clergy alike. Louis IX had a vested interest in using such debates to bolster the authority of the Church and the theological superiority of Christianity, which was increasingly becoming a theme during the medieval period. As the debate ensued, it became clear that the structure and outcome were heavily favored towards Christian assertions. An account of the proceedings was later published, further disseminating the viewpoints presented during the dispute. The significance of the Disputation of Paris stems from its illustration of the tensions between Christian and Jewish theological perspectives and the way these communities navigated their identities in a society that was often at odds with religious pluralism.

In the aftermath, the event not only fueled theological discussions but also fostered an atmosphere of distrust towards Jewish scholars, culminating in the expulsion and persecution that Jewish communities faced in later years. The outcomes of the Disputation influenced Christian thought and reflected the socio-religious climate of 13th-century France, shaping the narrative of Jewish-Christian relations for generations to come.