Many gloss of the First Millennium of Christian Europe in deference to a study of the High Middle Ages ( 1100-1300). The High Middle Ages were indeed glorious, as it saw the Christianization of Aristotle, as well as the re-implimentation in Western Europe of a proper understanding of The Sciences and The Arts.
Charlemagne very well could have reunited East and West, as a marriage was sought between the first emperor of the West ( Charlemagne) and Irene, Empress of the East. The talks broke, as well they should have if authentic matrimonal love did not exist between the two. This is an aside. Charlemagne's efforts to defeat The Saxons (760s-804) also saw a forced conversion of that people to Christianity. This was codified in the "Capitulatio de Partibus Saxoniae." Saxons were to convert; if they did not, death was the consequence. Alcuin, the great monk and cleric of Charlemagne's court, strongly fought against this action when it came time to battle the Avars. This is all evidenced in Richard Fletcher's book concerning the conversion of Western Europe.
Pope Benedict XVI noted the teachings of Christianity are suggestions. The freedom to act according to one's conscience not only amplifies the inherent dignity of each human because he/she is a human, but also is present in the very Paschal ( Greek for " saving") actions of Christ. In the Garden, He sweeted blood because He did not want to die. He made the choice: " Fiat voluntatas Tua," or " Thy will be done." Holy Alcuin, pray for us.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitulatio_de_partibus_Saxoniae
I used to live through, and frequently drove through, the little German village of Degerndorf, west of Regensburg. That town has a small sign bragging how Charlemagne (Karl der Grosse) and his Army stopped there on their way to defeating the Avars. I always reminded me of the "George Washington slept here" signs.
ReplyDeleteCorrection, should have say I lived near and drove through.
DeleteThank you for this insight.
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