Elite Reform and Popular Heresy in<i>c</i>.1000: ‘Revitalization Movements’ as a Model for Understanding Religious Dissidence Historically
Claire Taylor
Amongst various features still being evaluated as characteristic of West Frankish society in c .1000 AD, one the most striking, is that into middle century a range essentially unrelated and geographically widespread sources speak ‘heresy’ newly affecting populace. But how should we interpret these apparently diverse phenomena? Of models which heresiologists explore, too often overlooked proposed by Janet Nelson this very forum 1971. Her thesis, ‘crisis theodicy’ produced cognitive need for new explanations answered, whilst not explicitly anthropological, focused on understanding phenomena within societal wholes. This explanation was challenged anthropologist Talal Asad, who argued heretical activity simply indicated urban movements over clerics were unable to extend their authority.
Studies in Church History