The Crusades...a Series of Tragic Events...in "Christian" History

Christian history is often marred by those who point their fingers to..."The Crusades", a period of time beginning in 1095 A.D. and lasted for approximately 200 years. There were 4 different Crusades given to this time in history and is often categorized as "Christian History". My thoughts are: "Is this really a part of Christian History...or just "History gone bad?"

 The Crusades gave era to a very sad time in the lives of those who participated in such events of the period. Many regard these Crusades as an ugly monster...the lives that were lost, the innocents that were killed, and the gory brutalities that were done...all in the name of Jesus Christ. The question arises: "Who in their right mind would condone these events...and beyond that...these events were done in the name of Christ...the Son of God who died for each one of us?" Did not Jesus Himself say things like: "It's the Father's Will that not one of you be lost..."

 The Crusades...what was really goin' on? Why did it even happen? What results came of it? These are questions students of history often ask...and thus the journey begins....

 On November 27th, 1095 A.D., the Roman Catholic Pope Urban ll,  made what some have termed one of the great influential speeches of the Middle Ages. Pope Urban gave rise to declaring war...against Muslims...in order to reclaim the Holy Lands. This edict was then sent out to all "Christians" (basically referring to those of the Roman Catholic faith) within Europe and with this message came the battle cry of Pope Urban's famous speech: "Deus Vult!" meaning..."God wills it!"
 By 1095 A.D., the Holy Land...the Middle East, had become a real point of conflict for Catholics living in Europe. For over 500 years, European Catholics had frequently made pilgrimages...to Jerusalem...to honor the Christ child and His birth.
 Then, a major event happened that completely changed the course of this historical setting. The Seljuk Turks of the Muslim faith had taken control of the Middle East...and more importantly had seized control of an area that was the very heart of Catholic pilgrimage. Western European Catholics and the Byzantine Catholics (those of Eastern Europe) were all officially barred...from entry to the most holiest of cities in Christendom...Jerusalem!
 This denial to entry became an intense and dangerous conflict that was about to emerge. In fact, the Turks escalated the whole affair by threatening to invade the Byzantine Empire...and conquer its most glorious city...Constantinople (a city equal to Rome in the hearts of Eastern European Catholics).
 The Byzantine Emperor Alexius l...made a special appeal to Pope Urban ll for immediate assistance. This wasn't the first time something of this nature had happened, but this was a particularly strong appeal...and as the saying goes: "Timing means everything."

 And to Pope Urban ll, this appeal could not have come at a better time. Urban was in the midst of putting together a "call to restoration", a time to reinforce the power of the Roman Catholic papacy. Pope Urban thought a unification of all Roman Catholic Christians would be made possible... by the Declaration of War against the Holy Lands...and strengthen the papacy. So, without hesitation...war was declared...to take back the Holy Lands from the Muslim Turks!

 At the Council of Clemont, located in France, Pope Urban ll delivered his persuasive speech. This place was filled with several hundred clerics and noblemen as well. He announced to all that "this was a time to stop fighting against one another, whether you be rich or poor, and join in a truly righteous war...to embark and fight in the aid of all Christians...this is a call to...Take Back Jerusalem!"

 It is written Pope Urban ll verbally degraded the Muslim sect, told exaggerating stories of the Muslim "anti-Christian" acts against them, and the most important element of all...a promise of complete absolution and remission for anyone who would take up this just and righteous cause, and would meet their death...in their dedication of service to reclaim the Holy Lands!

 And so....many believed his message....