St James the Moor Slayer
During the reconquista, Spainsh forces
battled Islamic forces, and often rival Christain forces too, in an effort
to regain territories lost in the eighth century. During this long drawn
out movement, which did not end until 6 January 1492, many myths and legends
grew. One of these was the "Song of Roland",
which is an epic poem written in French describing the heroic exploits of
Charlemagne's knights against Islamic warriors. Another legend was St. James
the Moor Slayer. Note how a basic religious principle
has undergone a change.
�
Why would a Christian who killed his enemies
be beatified and raised to sainthood? Is there a problem with religious
doctrine and warrior culture?
/ ASSIGNMENT
/
Source: Arxiu Mas, in History Today 42 (May 1992);
16.