Violence in the Medieval Church before the First Crusade
Joseph S. Jewell
The attitude of the medieval church towards violence before First Crusade in 1095 underwent a significant institutional evolution, from peaceful tradition New Testament and Roman persecution, through prelate-led military campaigns Carolingian period Peace God era. It would be superficially easy to characterize this transformation as pragmatic entirely secular response growing power changing world. However, such simplification does not fully do justice underlying theology. While leaders 5th Century 11th had vastly different motivations circumstances under which develop their responses variety violent activities, teachings Augustine Hippo provided unifying theme. Augustine’s just war theology, establishing conflicts are acceptable eyes God, focused on determining whether proper causa belli or basis for exists, then legitimate authority declares leads war. masterfully integrated aspects Old Testaments create lasting compelling case his definition justified violence. Although at times places theology has been used support attitudes, profound influence work church’s evolving position is clear.