The Invention of a Theology of Abduction: Hincmar of Rheims on Raptus
Rachel Stone
‘Raptus’, the abduction of women in order to marry them, was seen as a serious problem Carolingian Francia. This article examines only Frankish text that provides theological justification for condemning raptus, Hincmar Rheims's De coercendo et exstirpando raptu viduarum, puellarum ac sanctimonialium. It shows difficulties found providing coherent argument against practice normally condemned its social and familial disruption. In particular, it suggests worried laymen, who had been encouraged by reformers study Bible, might use Old Testament precedents justify raptus.
The Journal of Ecclesiastical History