3/1/11

This lecture was presented by a friend of Professor Cargill, since he was out of town that day. We discussed Crusader Jerusalem (1099-1187). First I will define Crusade: an expedition authorized by the Pope on Christs behalf where vows are taken and protections are afforded to you. Next I will define Indulgence: remission of penalties due for sins that was granted to crusaders- You get it by contributing to funds, preaching it, collecting money, settling as a colonist in the Holy Land.


I found the factors contributing to Crusades to be quite interesting. First, there were political factors: the emergence of holy roman empire in western Europe and divisions among Christianity. Then there were religious factors: a holy war mentality, Religious persecutions, the Holy Sepulcher set on fire dome collapses and kills Patriarch of Jerusalem in 965 in connection with the descent of the holy fire on easter. It was difficult for Christians to pilgramage to Jerusalem.

Lastly, Pope Urban II’s speech in 1905 where he Christians encouraged to go and take Jerusalem was probably the most influential factor contributing to the crusades. He called people to pick up a weapon and fight the Turks. He called the rich and poor to head off on a foot journey or by boat and work their way across the Mediterranean. Yet, it has unintended consequences- he is blown away by storm at the response of the people (Everyone agrees! And drops what they are doing and large scale masses head to fight heeding the call of the pope) He also says there will be a remission of sins for those who go, the faithful people in Europe who are listening. I find this "remission of sins" and "indulgence" to be quite sickening. I cant even fathom how the Christians thought that this 'holy war' was actually something Jesus would have wanted them to participate in. To me, it seems to completely contradict EVERYTHING he taught.