The 12 Articles of the German Peasants

In The 12 Articles of the German Peasants, the main theme and purpose is to edify the common people of the land.  In addition the twelve articles denote what the peasant’s duties are and how they should conduct themselves in certain situations. The writer of the articles is suggesting the common people be given certain rights that are being denied them so a more just society might be established. An example of this is found in the Fifth Article. This article talks about woodcutting. In previous times, a poor man had to pay two “pieces of money” for his wood. The writer suggests this is wrong noting the poor man has the right to get as much wood as he needs from wood not already duly purchased by someone else.

                I found the Eleventh Article very interesting.  I was unfamiliar with the word “heriot,” which means, “A feudal duty or tribute due under English law to a lord on the death of a tenant.” With this understanding, the second half of Article Eleven makes sense. The writer wasn’t talking about thieves who randomly robbed widows and orphans.  Instead, he was describing the practice of many lords who, when one of the tenants died, required the grieving family to pay him a tribute.  This practice was, according to the writer, equal to robbery.

                In trying to identify modern parallels with these twelve articles, I note the efforts of today’s religious leaders who are attempting to right the wrongs they see in our world.  Some of these wrongs include abortion, stem cell research, euthanasia, etc.  Their intention, like the advocate of the German peasants, is to educate a culture and, thereby, change its way of thinking.  This, in my opinion, is exactly what the writer of The 12 Article of the German Peasants was attempting to do.

                In regards to our Western Civilization text book, I see it similar to Luther’s ninety-five theses.  Luther was suggesting the problems he saw were in the church.  His writing Against the Thieving, Murderous Hordes of Peasants (1525) bore this out vividly. However, Luther’s writing focused its attack on the peasants, whereas our reading, The 12 Article of the German Peasants, focused its attack on the lords who were mistreating the peasants.

The Journal of Christopher Columbus

In the December 21 & 22 entry of Christopher Columbus’ journal, we read about his voyage and his meetings with the Native Americans. I believe the theme of his journal reflects the kindness he was shown by the Indians. Columbus wrote that the Indians gave whatever they had to give and there was a benevolent spirit among them. The Indians believed the voyagers were sent from heaven and this could have been the reason they bestowed their belongings so freely. The voyagers thought the same about the Indians because of their kindness and unrestricted generosity.

                A phrase that stood out to me was, “no one could believe that there could be such good-hearted people, so free to give, anxious to let the Christians have all they wanted, and, when visitors arrived, running to bring every­thing to them.” The reason this captured me was if such were to happen today, we would respond in the same way as the voyagers, with disbelief. The people were so warm and friendly, yet it didn’t make sense to the voyagers nor does it sometimes to us.

                This phrase caused me to consider just where we as a people have strayed from a sense of kindness and goodwill. According to the movie “Give a Damn,” people in our society believe “it’s cool to talk about the poor but not to talk to the poor.” This strikes me as crazy.  It seems to me that the greatest joy one can experience is found in giving; however, as a nation, and even as a world, we have lost sight of this concept. The idea of giving, in my opinion, shouldn’t be limited to material things as one can offer time, friendship, etc.

                The modern parallels I recognize with this journal entry include the happiness and contentment of the Indian people. Today, I might relate this to the people of Africa. Let’s consider ourselves as the voyagers who have everything - technology, education, wealth, etc.  Conversely, the Africans have little to nothing but continue to find greater joy in life. We, like the voyagers, believe it our job to help them, and this is oftentimes true; however, we at times miss what we could learn from them. In saying this, I believe we can learn from the past (Columbus’ journal) and possibly gain a good outcome.

                In regards to our classroom text, I see a correlation to the reformation led by Martin Luther. Luther, as we know, went against the peasants when they demanded more rights. It seems to me that we have missed crucial moments to succeed in making the right choices due to neglect and even a disregard for human life.  Culture forms us into people who continue to pass this belief on to future generations with, seemingly, no hope for change.  Such will be the case until we, as individuals, become more educated on such subjects.

Anonimalle Chronicle English Peasants' Revolt 1381

              In Anonimalle Chronicle English Peasants' Revolt, we read about the King of England who invites all of the commons to Smithfield. The story tells of the demands the people made of the King. However, these demands did not turn out best for the commons in the end.  The story also describes commons’ revolt and England’s response to the revolt. The king did not end up showing mercy to the revolting commons but, instead, put a bounty on their heads.

                The thought in the story that captured me was the fact the King denied the requests of the commons. They had asked that a fair division be given the commons. They had also asked that all men be declared free. These demands, or requests, seemed to be reasonable but the King refused. The reason this idea, in a sense, stuck out to me was due to the fact that I have been studying cultural context in the bible. This new knowledge prompted me to ask questions regarding the cultural context in England at the time of the story.  Further, it led me to ask how the cultural context of that day related to this situation.

                In addition to the ideas described in the previous paragraph my new learning sparked deeper thoughts as well.  For instance, it impelled me to ask questions the commons were possibly asking regarding the underlying meaning included in their demands. Moreover, this sparked questions regarding the nature of King Richard II.  For instance, what desires and motivations caused him to respond in the ay he did?  Finally, I was prompted to ask what specific events moved both parties to react in the manner in which they did.

                The modern parallels I spotted in the text relate to today’s governments.  A government may profess concern for its people but when those people express frustration with their government the government doesn’t want to hear it.  Most governments will resist public outcry until they are overturned.  The English peasants’ revolt is an example of how many modern rulers or governments still operate today. This reading response reminds us that people often times call for governmental reform but the rulers within that government deny the will of the people.

Urban II's Speech at Clermont

In the first writing of Fulcher of Chartres regarding Urban’s speech, Christian leaders are called to greater diligence in stopping criminal acts in their respective dioceses.  The writer also called on Christians to aid and support their brothers in Christ who were being killed and captured by the Muslims. In the second writing of Robert the Monk regarding Urban’s speech, the writer went into great detail describing some of the crimes being inflicted upon Christians by the Persians.  The writer also emphasized the importance of one’s Christian walk and how to bring worship and honor to God.

                One of the phrases that stood out to me in the first writing was, “and to destroy that vile race from the lands of our friends.” This sentiment caught me off guard because it contradicts what Christians are taught and believe today.  Today’s Christian message of peace is said to be based upon the teachings of Christ.  Problem is, Fulcher of Chartres claims the same teachings of Christ supported Urban’s call to arms in their day of conflict.  Both camps claim, “Christ commands it.”  I find this very interesting because Urban was speaking of an actual physical war, whereas, we focus more on spiritual warfare today.

                This contradiction sparked the notion that the writer was telling Christians to do the opposite of Christ’s teaching.  In light of this, I considered Luke 6:27-36 where Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” With this command in mind, I began to wonder if Fulcher of Chartres had ever read this passage or, if he had, decided not to take Christ’s words at face value.   I believe this command of Jesus calls Christians to something better, to do good to our enemies even when they wrong us.  I’m not condoning the barbaric activity of the Muslims but, at the same time, I can’t support what the writer wrote because it seems to lack genuine love.

                In looking for modern parallels, I recognize today’s religious teachers, ministers, and Christian ambassadors as those trying to motivate the church to action.  Similarly, the writers in Urban’s day were reporting crimes against Christians in an effort to encourage the church to take action and to inflict justice upon the offenders.  While the church, for the most part, doesn’t call on its members to hate, they do ask for commitment, prayers, donations and time. 

                These two letters relate to the text in that they are the text. The writings are described in the first pages of the ninth chapter. The text book speaks on how Pope Urban II gave a sermon for Christians to “take up their cross.” The people responded by chanting “God wills it.” This, in a sense was the start of the crusades.