Satan, Saints, and Heretics

ISBN-13: 9783639168051 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 248 str.

Cynthia Fillmore

Opis

In the European Middle Ages, the use of religion toattain political ends was a routine strategy andremains a rich source for research. Politics andreligion were so closely intertwined in the MiddleAges, it can be difficult to separate the knots. Thisbook examines one thread: How demonology was used inthe politics of power and the evaluation of powerplayers in the Middle Ages? Embattled kings likeHenry II of England and Philip the Fair of Francecould align themselves with the righteous side of thecosmic battle even against similarly embattled popeslike Boniface VIII and John XXII. Demonology is acomplex, non-linear tradition of texts beginning, ata minimum, with the earliest books of the OldTestament. This book is a history of ideas thatdemonstrates the importance demonology held in theMiddle Ages and the seriousness of charges of heresy,apostasy, sorcery, and witchcraft. Every institutionhad a responsibility to protect the Christiancommunity against demonic influences and to savesouls, and every Christian was a member of the ChurchMilitant acting on behalf of the Church Triumphant.

O autorze

Cynthia Fillmore earned her Ph.D. in English with an emphasis in
medieval literature and history at the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Fillmore has taught a variety of English courses, including
medieval literature, The Name of the Rose, and the Canterbury
Tales. Dr. Fillmore focuses her professional life on teaching and
classroom pedagogy.