930 years later… why it’s important to remember the Crusades.

The Crusades are a low point in the history of the Church.

Low points are important and as followers of Jesus, we should be the first to acknowledge that. 

The Legacy of the Crusades

There are a lot of opinions on just how influential the Crusades’ legacy is. 

Some see its legacy as a precursor to colonialism, others as a motivation for attacks by Muslim extremists, and still others as a rallying point for European nationalism.

Regardless of your opinion, it's been over 900 years and the Crusades are still relevant.

Why?

Because the Crusades were traumatic, an excellent example of the enemy manipulating the Church and stripping away its credibility.

These wars have caused centuries-long tension between nations with a Christian background and nations with a Muslim background, making constructive dialogue between the two difficult. 

And yet its imagery endures, has been romanticized. The West fell in love with the image of the Crusader in his armor, the quest for the Holy Grail, and stories of the Knights Templar. 

These romantic images grip our imagination but should never desensitize us to the horror that took place.

Because, in my opinion, the greatest contribution of the Crusaders’ legacy is a reminder of how far those who bear Christ’s name can fall.

The Lesson of the Crusades

We live in a world vastly different from the time of the Crusades.

But that doesn’t mean those centuries are without relevance.

The Crusades teach us that just because something is done in the name of Christ, it doesn’t mean it's in line with His will. 

They teach us that even those who devote their lives to following Jesus are susceptible to the corrupting influence of might and power.

They teach us that followers of Jesus, first and foremost, are citizens of Heaven. And that any attempt to violently force Heaven to come to Earth ends in disaster. 

Church, we must remember these things and ask for God’s grace to avoid making the same mistakes.

Because it’s when we forget that we become far more susceptible to repeating.

But when we remember, we can learn. And we learn, we can grow. And when we grow, we can heal what the past has hurt.

And isn’t that just like Jesus? To take the pain of the past and transform it into a beautiful opportunity to love.

That’s the kind of conquest He’s interested in.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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