A lot of times we Christians look at the violent Martyr deaths of Muslims. We forget, however, that people, who called themselves Christians, used to do likewise and maybe even worse. Ergun and Emir Caner are trying to convey the truth about a dark chapter in the history of the church. Their book “Christian Jihad” informs us about the crusades and other horrible slaughters made in the name of Christ.

The authors start with the pacifistic mindset of the Early Church Fathers and about the change that took place about this issue when Christianity became a religion under Constantine. He also arranged a marriage between the state and the church, which will turn out to be bad. The moment when Pope Urban, as the head of the church and therefore also head of the state, challenged Christians to conquer the Holy Land from the Muslims, is considered to be the low point for Christianity. The time of Invasions, murders and slaughters started and resulted in more than three crusades in the beginning of the second millennium. Later the church even justified the death of heretics. Opponents of the church were not tolerated at all. Instead the most happened consequence for holding different views than the Catholic Church would end in a death by burning at the stake. The authors also describe the relationship of the church to the Jews and notice that it also was not free of violence and maledictions. “Christian Jihad” wants to challenge us to have a critical view on our mostly not known history and warns of the consequences of the question on separation of church and state.

How could such horrible things like the killing of so many people in the name of Jesus Christ happen? This is an often asked question that I want to answer, based on the Research the authors have done.

The most important reason is the situation Christianity and Christian people were at that time. Before the first millennium ended people in Europe were pretty desperate. After a time of moderate conditions for Europeans, it was much easier to find something to look forward to. People were not satisfied with their situation at all; they did not really have purpose they would like to die for. This is the first condition to start something like the crusades. Pope Urban knew very well to take advantage of this situation. He mobilized almost all of Europe to recapture the Holy Land together. He promised them forgiveness of their sins and the assertion of eternal life. Of course, Pope Urban had in mind also the reaffirmation of the papacy, which had lost a little bit of reputation.

As a German, I would like to compare this initial situation of the crusades with the situation in Germany which led to the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler. The German people around the thirties were as well a very desperate people. Branded by the consequences of World War 1, the economic crisis, and a political mess people were looking for somebody to put the blame on. Hitler, who was a great orator and like Pope Urban, could unify and mobilize people. They both used their talent to abuse people for their own ideals and motivations. At this point it is important to state that I do not want to trivialize either of these occurrences. However, it could be important for us to see what exactly caused people to join such a cruelty.

It is our responsibility to learn from our past. As Christians we ought to live accordingly in every part of our life.