Christendom Quote by Rodney Stark
““Many critics of the Crusades would seem to suppose that after the Muslims had overrun a major portion of Christendom, they should have been ignored or forgiven; suggestions have been made about turning the other cheek. This outlook is certainly unrealistic and probably insincere. Not only had the Byzantines lost most of their empire; the enemy was at their gates. And the loss of Spain, Sicily, and southern Italy, as well as a host of Mediterranean islands, was bitterly resented in Europe. Hence, as British historian Derek Lomax (1933-1992) explained, 'The popes, like most Christians, believed war against the Muslims to be justified partly because the latter had usurped by force lands which once belonged to Christians and partly because they abused the Christians over whom they ruled and such Christian lands as they could raid for slaves, plunder and the joys of destruction.' It was time to strike back.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise of Christianity: History, Documents, and Key Questions, Rodney Stark, 1996
Christians viewed war against Muslims as justified retaliation for lost lands and oppression, not merely forgiveness.
In simple terms: War seen as justified retaliation for lost lands and oppression.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historical contexts of conflict.
Themes
history
religion
conflict
justification
revenge
Mood
reflective
critical
historical
Type
analytical
interpretive
contextual
When to use this quote
- medieval Europe
- church politics
- military campaigns
- colonial expansion
Key Concepts
just war theory
territorial loss
religious identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern perspectives reinterpret medieval wars?
- What moral criteria should guide retaliation?
A Different Perspective
Historical narratives often simplify complex motives and moral judgments.
![“[The tension] between the Christians and Muslims goes back to the Crusades, doesn't it? It's too easy to blame everything on one guy. These are unpredictable, dangerous times, and I don't think that anyone really knows quite what to do.” quote by Mickey Rourke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/05c/mickey-rourke-4846_blame_the-tension-between-the-christians-and-m_541190.jpg)
