Page 59 - God's Church through the Ages - Student Textbook

disastrous but equally futile crusades occurred until nearly the end of the 13th century. The last Latin outpost in
the Muslim world fell in 1291.

While the Crusades ultimately resulted in defeat for Europeans and a Muslim victory, many argue that they
successfully extended the reach of Christianity and Western civilization. The Roman Catholic Church experienced
an increase in wealth, and the power of the Pope was elevated after the Crusades ended.

Among followers of Islam, however, the Crusaders were regarded as immoral, bloody and savage. The ruthless
and widespread massacre of Muslims, Jews and other non-Christians resulted in bitter resentment that persisted
for many years. Even today, some Muslims derisively refer to the West’s involvement in the Middle East as a
“crusade.”
48

Pope Urban II promised those who would take up the fight against the Saracen could also
get benefits from God because, according to the pontiff, if they died in their self-described Christian
“holy war”, they would gain a glorious entrance into heaven avoiding any refining fires of Purgatory.
Never before in the history of the Church had a religious leader offered a reward for violent behavior.
Years previous, Muhammad told his troops that they would find favor from Allah and salvation in
paradise with many virgins if they were willing to kill or be killed in jihad. Pope Urban II used the same
evil tactics to encourage the slaughter of 1.7 million people who were killed in the several crusades…all
in the name of Christ. Ideas have consequences!

The First Crusades – Part 1

48 Ibid.
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