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Chapter 9 The Crusades, Military Orders and The Inquisition

“In no way is the Church to be confused with the

political community ... But, this said, we should

not conclude that the message of salvation

entrusted to the Church has nothing to say to the

body politic in order to enlighten it with the

Gospel.” ~ John Paul II

The Crusades

A. The Fall of the Holy Land 1.  Rise of Fatimite Muslims

in Egypt led to renewed Christian persecutions in first decades of 11th century

2.  Seljuk Turks in 2nd half of 11th century, create new militant Islamic nation

3.  Seljuks attack Christians in Palestine and Syria

The Fall of the Holy Land 4.  In 1071, Turks annihilate

Byzantine army at Battle of Manzikert & on verge to take Constantinople

5.  With two-thirds of Christian world now taken by Muslim forces, Pope Blessed Urban II addresses council of Clermont to help Eastern Christians in 1095

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The Fall of the Holy Land 6.  Pope believed Christianity had to defend itself

or be taken over by Islam 7.  Christian pilgrims to Holy Land were often

robbed, beaten or killed 8.  Pope St. Gregory VII was even ready to send

50,000 crusaders into the Holy Land but lay investiture controversy made it impossible

9.  Objective: fend off Turkish expansion into Byzantium & free the Holy Land for safe pilgrimage

B. Motivation for the Crusaders 1.  Religion was a

major motivation for soldiers

2.  Concept that God would reward those who fought for the cause of defending Christendom

Motivation for the Crusaders 3.  Religious indulgences

– remission before God of temporal punishment due to sins

4.  Other church incentives – reduction of taxes, dissolving of debts, protection of crusaders’ families

C. Preaching the Crusades 1.  Appeal to sinners

to join crusade as means of reconciliation with God

2.  Peter the Hermit of Amiens spoke of the poor treatment of Christians in Palestine

D. Byzantium’s Response 1.  Many westerners optimistic about Crusades &

relations between western and eastern churches 2.  Crusades allowed positive exchange of ideas &

culture 3.  The Eastern Empire feared the Crusades as a

threat against own territory 4.  After sack of Constantinople in 4th Crusade,

relations were ruined creating a rift between Eastern and Western Churches

E. Criticism 1. St. Bernard of

Clairvaux said many soldiers were far from pious after 1st crusade

2. Muslims and Jews in Europe subject to violence

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Criticism 3. St. Francis of

Assisi tried to convert Sultan Malik-al-Kamil; two became friends suggesting peaceful dialogue in Holy Land

F. Outcome of Crusades 1. Failed in delivering

Holy Lands back to Christians

2. Success in holding Turkish expansion for 400 years

3. Success in creating Christian unity transcending nationality & race

Outcome of Crusades 4.  Success in having

pilgrimages to Holy Land easier with Franciscans holding key holy places

5.  Success in military technology – castles, siege engines, catapults, etc.

Outcome of Crusades 6.  Crusades encouraged travel & fostered drive

to Asia – reach China by 13th century 7.  Technological & academic achievements

due to contact with Arabic world & Greek medicine & math