Is Evangelical Criticism of the Medieval Church Just?

[Bob Crowley]

I presume you know who Constantine and Charlemagne were fighting?

The German and Sarmatian campaigns of Constantine were fought by the Roman Emperor Constantine I against the neighbouring Germanic peoples, including the Franks, Alemanni and Goths, as well as the Sarmatian Iazyges, along the whole Roman northern defensive system to protect the empire's borders, between 306 and 336.

Charlemagne - Frankish Empire, Saxon Wars, Italy | Britannica

Charlemagne - Frankish Empire, Saxon Wars, Italy: The first three decades of Charlemagne’s reign were dominated by military campaigns, which were prompted by a variety of factors: the need to defend his realm against external foes and internal separatists, a desire for conquest and booty, a keen...

www.britannica.com

It's one thing to sit in a 21st century armchair and bemoan the violence of ancient emperors. It's another thing to have to confront ruthless enemies who are bent on your destruction.

I assume you're American? Your own nation has probably been involved in more wars during and after it's formation than almost any other Western nation.

List of wars involving the United States - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

There are currently 123 military conflicts on this list, 5 of which are ongoing. These include major conflicts like the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the Gulf War. It also includes US involvement in widespread periods of conflict like the Indian Wars, the Cold War (including the Korean War and the Vietnam War), and the War on Terror (including the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and others).

 

[JEBofChristTheLord]

I am talking, about the medieval church, and its abandonment of the mission of Christ in favor of the purposes of Constantine and Charlemagne. There is also the basis of all church-leadership upon the swearing of vows. There are quite a few churches who are doing similarly today, Roman and not.

 

[Aaron112]

I am talking, about the medieval church, and its abandonment of the mission of Christ in favor of the purposes of Constantine and Charlemagne. There is also the basis of all church-leadership upon the swearing of vows. There are quite a few churches who are doing similarly today, Roman and not.

I'm not sure if you are referring to ancient/modern babylon, which for thousands of years has fostered skirmishes, battles, conflicts, and wars , as often as possible.

 

[Bob Crowley]

When you swear a vow, you make a commitment. It's a bit like swearing on the Bible in a court and committing to state "The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth". That's a vow. But I presume you can find fault with it.

I remember my old Presbyterian pastor commenting that when he graduated from seminary, he undertook a vow to serve God and the church.

As he did so, he said he could feel this thrill running up and down his spine. In my opinion God was pleased with his commitment as he served God very well his entire life.

I don't know if you're married, but I take it you took a vow during your wedding ceremony. If so, did you mean what you said or was it just a passing fad?

 

[AFrazier]

This period had a number of flaws. First, they kept the scriptures out of the hands of the common man, which allowed absolute church dominance. It was your lawful duty to believe what you were told to believe. If you expressed a difference of opinion, the punishment could often be death for heresy. The period is also rife with forged documents. And the absolute church dominance eventually led to the church selling sin for profit (indulgences). I have every confidence that many good things were accomplished during that era. But many wicked things were also done in the name of God. It was hardly the golden age of Christianity.