Religious Motivation In The Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Juruselam found itself under Muslim rule, which made it difficult for Christian pilgrims who wanted to visit due to it being the site of Jesus’ preaching, crucifixion, and subsequent rise from the dead. At the Council of Clermont in 1095 the leader of the Roman Catholic Church at the time - Pope Urban II - gave a call to arms that resulted in the calling of the first crusade with the objective of reclaiming the Holy Land and winning back Jerusalem for the Christians. Religious motivation was a primary reason thousands took the cross, but there were many other factors as well such as: to acquire land, to gain riches, for a sense of adventure, as well as overpopulation and famine. This essay will argue that religious motivation
People believed in Pope Urban II who promised that Crusaders would have permission from God to ignore the sixth commandment, thou shalt not kill, for the purpose of killing Infidels. He gave ‘a plenary indulgence for all who went to liberate Jerusalem’ [1] This offered a convenient solution to the dilemma of many knights who desired forgiveness for killing people in battle as that was considered sinful. Religious motivations also affected other classes, however. Pope Urban promised those who partook in this Holy War a place in heaven. People were led to believe that their souls would be purified if they went on the crusades, which was appealing to many, as most at the time were very religious, and took the promise of a secured place in heaven as adequate incentive to join the Crusades. This is further proven by the popularity of the People’s Crusade, consisting of an army of peasants as well as a few minor knights. Led by Peter the Hermit who claimed to have a divine letter from Christ, many thought Christ himself had chosen him to preach and followed him into battle as they believed that they were doing
The Crusades were appealing as they gave a chance for people of all classes to leave their homes on a great adventure. This sense of adventure was appealing to young men who wanted to prove their chivalry and honour, as well as serfs - peasants restricted to remain on the land they work in - who would get a chance to finally leave their land and were even promised freedom by the pope. It also provided an opportunity for Christians to see the Holy Land - which was something very desirable - and come home to immense respect having claimed it for Christianity. However, it could be argued this was less important as many Christians were well aware of how dangerous this would be and the risks of death. In evaluation, I believe religious motivation to be more important as if it were not for the Crusades having the destination of the Holy Land, they would not have sparked the interest and imagination of so many