Spiritual Progress in Carolingian Saxony: A Case from Ninth-Century Corvey
David P. Appleby
In view of the centrality evangelical impulse in New Testament, it is not surprising that Church, and even as mission should arise a topic discussion among Christians. (1) But during twentieth century especially since 1945, history expansion Church has attracted interest academic historians both inside outside substantial literature on Christian missions emerged. Whether story presented optimistic tones growth from Antiquity to present, or more complex process resistance at various times past, become an exceptionally productive field inquiry. (2) While much attention been focused Christianity Asia, World modern age, period before 1500 ignored. The early medieval West presents exceptional opportunities examine some diverse forms Christianization can take. (3) Between fall western provinces Roman Empire fifth emergence Frankish hegemony under Carolinians eighth, monks priests could count very little way logistic political support central authority. Missionaries were faced with task translating concerns universal faith into language thought world gentile cultures no written tradition their own, midst social conditions quite different those late antique Mediterranean. circumstances each varied according historical cultural background people being evangelized. As result northern Europe had episodic character, recent studies have highlighted differences between St. Augustine's rudes rustici Gregory Tours, Martin Braga's simple Germanic pagans whom Boniface encountered. (4) Among these episodes, subjugation forced conversion Saxony later eighth ninth subject enduring interest, part because affair seems epitomize chief strengths weaknesses order forged by Carolinians. Contemporaries we aware remarkable character events Saxony. Writing sometime 817 825/826, Einhard described Charlemagne's wars thirty-three years sporadic fighting, broken agreements, sharp reprisals. (5) His depiction Saxons flattering: naturally ferocious given demon worship, they violated divine human law will. Their treacherous instability contrasts magnanimity constancy purpose Face changing fortune. (6) Franks eventually succeeded battlefield then subdued through regime martial policy selective deportation resettlement. (7) Lasting peace came only 804 condition give up worship demons, relinquish ancestral ceremonies, accept sacraments faith. Only then, united Franks, one them. (8) Vita Karoli was well known Carolinian Ottonian Corvey, Benedictine house located near Hoxter northeast Paderborn Weser established reign Louis Pious. (9) Authors often borrowed Karoli, paying special passages concerning actions (10) Einhard's remark about religion bond uniting two peoples may interested Corvey how why Frankish-Saxon unity linked conception themselves members subjects Saxon hegemony. They readily accepted broad concept populus descriptive new common orientation peoples. …
Catholic Historical Review