(no subject)
He went on to claim that anyone killed in or on their way to the Holy Land would be completely forgiven sins and would immediately go to heaven. One may wonder how Urban could make the claims he did, as the Bible clearly states the consequences of killing one another, but in the years that he reigned, there were only primarily three social classes (Snell np). The citizens were divided into freemen, serfs, and slaves (Rice Jr. 16). Of these classes, only freemen were often literate, and of the ones that could read and write, an even fewer amount had access to the Gospel. The job of the Pope was to connect man to God, for he knew God’s wishes better than anyone else. Because the Pope was alleged closer to God than any other man, the men listening had no reason to argue against him (Snell np). Although difficult to grasp the volume of the speech through interpretations, there have been records of Urban’s actual speech, which may be used to further understand his motives.
Pope Urban II was a very gifted and passionate public speaker, and according to historical records, this was very evident in his address to the Council of Clermont. He claimed that the Terks were advancing into the heart of Christiandon, and that the people of the West much march to defend their holy land. He went on to describe the oppressions and attacking of Christians near the Byzantine Empire and to state that once holy places were falling into hands of Muslims and being defiled (Snell np). These were again, mostly false statements. Most Christian knights that had been killed in Byzantine were soldiers practicing their skills in practice battles. No holy places had been taken by the Muslims, nor tried to be taken for that matter, although there was still a chance of attack from them. Urban went on to encourage everyone, rich and poor alike to go fight for freedom of the Holy Land. He declared that God himself would lead them, for they were doing His work. He went on to allege that anyone giving themselves to the fight of God would cease to be poor, miserable sinners, and would receive absolution and remission for any sins they had committed. He ended the parlance with the exclamation that would become the rallying cry for not only this crusade, but would be heard throughout the world for years to come. As he finished, he shouted "God wills it (Deus volt)! (Snell np)
The reaction and devotion after Urban finished with his speech was simply staggering. The local bishop fell on his knees before the throne and begged to be the first pilgrim assigned to the journey. Urban, in accepting his sacrifice, issued him a cross made of red cloth as a sign that he was a Soldier of God. Hundreds of onlookers immediately followed the bishop’s example, kneeling in front of the Pope to take their vows. The vow was very simple in theory. The knights were to visit the Holy Sepulcher, located in Jerusalem. They were then to do anything in their power to keep the Holy Land in the possession of the people of God, and were sent off armed, with the blessing with the church behind them (Snell np) The soldiers were expected to fight any Saracens (Muslims or Arabs) they believed might be a danger to the Holy Land (Rice Jr. 15). In return for their services, the church granted their soldiers many extremities, such as being legally protected from foreclosure of debts and also from attack by Christian enemies. If the soldier returned alive, he was met by glory and praise, and very often, a life full of riches. The biggest problem with Urban’s sending of the knights may not have been noticed by him until years later. Most of the people signing up for the Crusade were knights by trade; fighting was their life. Oftentimes, a knight did not fight simply because he was worried about the consequences of his God. Urban sent the men out with the chance to do the thing they loved more than anything else in the world, but was also giving them the chance to do it in the name of God (Snell np).
It is difficult to believe that such a massive part of history can be traced back to the speech of one man. The effects of Urban’s plan for his people can still be seen today, as the relationship between Europe and the Eastern Lands were altered forever. During their battles, the Crusaders not only fought against threatening Turk forces, but also focused violence to any group or person that was not clearly Christian. Despite his efforts, Pope Urban II died in 1099, years before the news of Jerusalem being taken back by the Christians could reach the West. Although the intent of Urban may never be known, the facts will continue to be interpreted, and will prove to be a subject of argument between historians.
Good luck with the grade for this paper Jakey. <3
Pope Urban II was a very gifted and passionate public speaker, and according to historical records, this was very evident in his address to the Council of Clermont. He claimed that the Terks were advancing into the heart of Christiandon, and that the people of the West much march to defend their holy land. He went on to describe the oppressions and attacking of Christians near the Byzantine Empire and to state that once holy places were falling into hands of Muslims and being defiled (Snell np). These were again, mostly false statements. Most Christian knights that had been killed in Byzantine were soldiers practicing their skills in practice battles. No holy places had been taken by the Muslims, nor tried to be taken for that matter, although there was still a chance of attack from them. Urban went on to encourage everyone, rich and poor alike to go fight for freedom of the Holy Land. He declared that God himself would lead them, for they were doing His work. He went on to allege that anyone giving themselves to the fight of God would cease to be poor, miserable sinners, and would receive absolution and remission for any sins they had committed. He ended the parlance with the exclamation that would become the rallying cry for not only this crusade, but would be heard throughout the world for years to come. As he finished, he shouted "God wills it (Deus volt)! (Snell np)
The reaction and devotion after Urban finished with his speech was simply staggering. The local bishop fell on his knees before the throne and begged to be the first pilgrim assigned to the journey. Urban, in accepting his sacrifice, issued him a cross made of red cloth as a sign that he was a Soldier of God. Hundreds of onlookers immediately followed the bishop’s example, kneeling in front of the Pope to take their vows. The vow was very simple in theory. The knights were to visit the Holy Sepulcher, located in Jerusalem. They were then to do anything in their power to keep the Holy Land in the possession of the people of God, and were sent off armed, with the blessing with the church behind them (Snell np) The soldiers were expected to fight any Saracens (Muslims or Arabs) they believed might be a danger to the Holy Land (Rice Jr. 15). In return for their services, the church granted their soldiers many extremities, such as being legally protected from foreclosure of debts and also from attack by Christian enemies. If the soldier returned alive, he was met by glory and praise, and very often, a life full of riches. The biggest problem with Urban’s sending of the knights may not have been noticed by him until years later. Most of the people signing up for the Crusade were knights by trade; fighting was their life. Oftentimes, a knight did not fight simply because he was worried about the consequences of his God. Urban sent the men out with the chance to do the thing they loved more than anything else in the world, but was also giving them the chance to do it in the name of God (Snell np).
It is difficult to believe that such a massive part of history can be traced back to the speech of one man. The effects of Urban’s plan for his people can still be seen today, as the relationship between Europe and the Eastern Lands were altered forever. During their battles, the Crusaders not only fought against threatening Turk forces, but also focused violence to any group or person that was not clearly Christian. Despite his efforts, Pope Urban II died in 1099, years before the news of Jerusalem being taken back by the Christians could reach the West. Although the intent of Urban may never be known, the facts will continue to be interpreted, and will prove to be a subject of argument between historians.
Good luck with the grade for this paper Jakey. <3