Edward Cairns. "Christianity Through the Centuries." Crusades/Reformers...

THE SOVEREIGN REDEEMER during the Crusades and period of reformatory movements. The Light shines in the darkness through the darkness does not comprehend it. During the Crusaders’ period, reforming movements arose: Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Austin friars, apart from the monasteries, set afoot to preach in the vernacular, raise alms, build hospitals, convert heretics, and extend missions to Spain, Egypt and, in one instance, missions in Peking, Chin. Dominic (1170-1221), Aquinas, and Albertus Magnus were Dominican scholars—appealing to scholarly instincts. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) also sponsored the “Poor Clares” (sued by Obama due to their opposition to baby-killing). While widely known for their deck-plate ministries, they produced scholars also—Roger Bacon, Bonaventura, Duns Scotus and Occam. The Black Death shaped the 14th century and Churchmen ministered here also. Albigensians, Cathari, Petrobusians and Waldensians arose externally to the Church. The Synod of Toulouse (1229) forbade the Bible to the layman—too much conflict between the Bible and Papist inventions. In the next session, we will look at Medieval learning, worship, further attempts at internal reform (15th century Councils) and developing opposition from within. The City of God was still alive and Christ was still shining as He willed, despite obfuscations and obscurations from the City of Man. Christ has the final Word.