In modern times, there exists a lot of confusion and misconception surrounding the Crusades. It is now time to dispel that confusion by pragmatically analyzing two texts concerning two opposite perspectives: Call to Crusade and A Muslim Perspective. In order to fully grasp the key factors behind the Crusades, one must understand the true importance and power of Christianity in Medieval Europe, how Pope Urban II justified the mission, what drew the participating Christians into joining the crusades, and the differences as well as the similarities between the two texts. After looking at the evidence in the texts, it becomes clear that religion played a very small part in the crusades; the true factors behind these tragedies were money and power. …show more content…
Usually the ruler of a land would call his men to arms, asking for their devotion and loyalty. However, in Robert the Monk’s written record of the speech delivered by Pope Urban II, Call to Crusade, it was the head of the church that asked for men to stand and serve. This fact shows that even though the pope was not a king, the church and the Christian faith was quite possibly the most powerful and persuasive force at the time. Change can only be made when enough power has been acquired, and since the church was able to bring about an incredible change in the land, it is clear that Christianity’s role in the world was already powerful and continued to gain more