Ask anyone about the Crusades, and they will tell you: "The Catholic Church attacked peaceful Muslims to steal their land and force them to convert."
This narrative is popular. It is also historically false.
Here are 3 facts that change everything.
Fact 1: It Was a Defensive War
By the time the First Crusade was called in 1095, Muslim armies had been attacking Christian lands for 450 years. They had conquered:
- The entire Middle East (which was Christian).
- North Africa (home of St. Augustine).
- Spain.
- Southern Italy. They were knocking on the doors of Constantinople. The Byzantine Emperor begged the Pope for help. The Crusades were a rescue mission to save Eastern Christians from annihilation.
Fact 2: It Was Not About Conversion
The Crusaders did not march to force Muslims to become Catholic. (Canon Law explicitly forbade forced conversions). Their goal was to secure safe passage for pilgrims to Jerusalem, who were being kidnapped, robbed, and killed by the Seljuk Turks.
Fact 3: Most Crusaders Lost Money
It was incredibly expensive to go on Crusade. Most knights bankrupted their families to go. They didn't go to get rich; they went because they believed it was an act of penance and love for their persecuted brothers.
The Ugly Truth
Were there atrocities? Yes. The Sack of Jerusalem (1099) and the Sack of Constantinople (1204) were horrific. Innocent people were killed. The Church has apologized for these excesses (see JPII in 2000). But "excesses in war" is different from "an unjust war."
Why It Matters
If we don't know our history, we accept the lie that Christianity is inherently violent and intolerant. The truth is much more complex.
Truth matters. For a deeper dive, check out the book recommendations in the MyPrayerTower app.