Armsbearing and the Clergy in the History and Canon Law of Western Christianity, by Lawrence G. Duggan
Daniel Gerrard
Lawrence Duggan’s monograph has a clear objective—to demonstrate that since the high middle ages, Roman Catholic Church and its Anglican offshoot not used Canon Law to forbid clergy from bearing arms. It succeeds in this objective. also helpfully collates references many of authors canonists who have addressed issue makes some excellent points about processes by which western church been formed. ‘Armsbearing’ is interpreted broadly refer only participation warfare but carrying weapons various other contexts such as hunting, or during travel periods social disorder, even matter fashion. There are, however, problems with design execution work mean it should be handled caution. Professor Duggan at his best explanation legal logic; difference between divine counsel mandate, impact upon Law, whereby exceptions principle multiply where lawyers teachers attempt impose consistency light their own circumstances. Important stress put on issues diversity ecclesiastical legislation, lack serious attempts educate for most Christian history key importance local synods understanding wider clerical opinion Law. provides good guide definitional often affect reading material. When, instance, does knife become sword? What precisely are ‘defensive arms’? How were using term ‘clergy’ itself?
The English Historical Review