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The Impact of the Second Crusade on the Angelology and Eschatology of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Author(s) -
Wagner Maria L. Ruby
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of religious history
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.117
H-Index - 13
eISSN - 1467-9809
pISSN - 0022-4227
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9809.2013.01223.x
Subject(s) - eschatology , contemplation , saint , philosophy , theology , criticism , religious studies , history , literature , art , art history
B ernard, abbot of C lairvaux, made a significant impact on twelfth‐century E urope and the church . As a result of the proliferation of C istercian monasteries under his guidance, his numerous theological writings, and the miracles he performed, B ernard was canonised soon after his death. Conversely, there was no lack of criticism levied for his involvement in matters that some considered inappropriate. When P ope E ugenius III called the S econd C rusade and requested that B ernard preach it, the infirm abbot could have justifiably declined but instead embarked upon the arduous task. However, he did so in the belief that this task, if successful, might propel humankind into the next age of time. After the crusade failed and as he neared death himself, B ernard's writings reflect a change from his previous assertions surrounding eschatology and the role of angels in the lives of the faithful. These alterations in Bernard's theology may also have encompassed a reaffirmation of his commitment to the contemplative life. It took the disaster of the S econd C rusade to return him to his core convictions and ignore the arrogant speculations of those who claimed that they knew what C hrist said they never would: the day or the hour.