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.