Faith or Population problems?

[flar7]

Were the English crusades an attempt to spread chritianity or more of a population, land grab problem? What do you think?

Please remember to be civil. I know you would never intentionally hurt each others feelings, but accidents happen.

[Earth Walker]

Originally posted by flar7
Were the English crusades an attempt to spread chritianity or more of a population, land grab problem? What do you think?

Please remember to be civil. I know you would never intentionally hurt each others feelings, but accidents happen.

All of the above. :crazy: :bad:


Only my Cat understands me.
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[Danustouch]

Both. I think it depends on which "crusade" of which you speak. For instance, I don't think that when St. Patrick started spreading christianity to the Irish, that he was concerned about land. Neither do I think that the very first christians were all about that. But..as far as the English Christians go...do you mean like the invasions into India, and Africa, and everywhere else? Well..I think that the political and military leaders were concerned about land, etc. And I believe that the Pope at the time, had TWO goals in mind. Spreading the teachings of Christ, and filling the coffers of the Vatican, with their patrons...the English Nobleman, and military leaders..etc, etc, etc. Similarly with the Protestant.."Anglican" church, I believe. It was a "One hand washes the other" type deal. The Papacy, and the Heirarchy of the other Churches at the time, gave their "seal of approval" on a war, an invasion, a settlement, etc. People in those days didn't do MUCH without the permission of their spiritual leaders..and indeed, in christianity..much of peoples choices are STILL based on the opinions of spiritual "leaders". So...the church would give the armies, the royalty, what have you, their stamp of approval. People would join up to fight, etc..based on that..and support the King/General in his goals..meanwhile...the Kings/Generals would make financial donations to the churches..even helping to erect some of them. The Kings were no fools, neither were the religious leaders.

By the way..I'd like to reccomend a movie which it seems you might like. "The Mission" starring Robert De Niro. A wonderful, and very sad movie. Another, would be Black Robe (don't remember who is in it.).

[Oridian]

I would have to agree with Danustouch. It depends upon which era of crusade we are talking about. There were probably many participating in the crusades with hearts intent on spreading Christian belief and others which participated out of desire for gain disguised as "God's work". There is no doubt that the Papacy and royalty mutually benifited through the crusades. whether or not those leading and starting the crusades were doing it for wealth or God I believe is debatable. I figure that there were probably both types, those believeing that they were doing "good" and those that were just taking advantage for personal gain.

[flar7]

Saw both many moons ago, especially liked the mission and yes, it was terribly sad.

[ladyrowan]

I can't remember much about my history lessons now, day-dreamed through most of them 8O , but i'd say it was more of a power trip, and land, from the leaders point of view. The foot soldiers probably believed it was for god.

BB