In the middle ages, who would have been considered a heretic by the church
A. A European knight who did not join the crusades.
B. A Christian, who did not follow excepted church teachings.
C. A Muslim, who fought against Christian Crusaders and Jerusalem.
D. A Jew, who refused to convert to Christianity.
All of the options mentioned would have potentially been considered heretics by the church during the middle ages. However, the severity of the consequences and the level of heresy varied depending on the specific context and time period. Here is a breakdown of how each option might have been viewed:
A. A European knight who did not join the crusades: This would not be considered heresy by default, as the decision to participate in a crusade was a personal choice. However, the Catholic Church heavily promoted and supported the crusades, considering them a holy endeavor, so there may have been social and religious pressure on knights to join. Refusing to join may have led to criticism, but it would not necessarily classify one as a heretic.
B. A Christian who did not follow accepted church teachings: This would have been considered heresy, as the church had a strict hierarchy and doctrine which it expected all Christians to adhere to. Deviating from approved teachings or promoting beliefs considered contrary to the church's doctrine could lead to accusations of heresy and potentially severe consequences, including excommunication or even execution.
C. A Muslim who fought against Christian Crusaders and Jerusalem: In the eyes of the Christian church during the Middle Ages, engaging in warfare against the Christian Crusaders and seeking to regain control of Jerusalem would have been seen as an act of defiance against Christianity. This stance would have placed Muslims at odds with the church and its teachings, branding them as "infidels" or "heretics" due to their religious beliefs and opposition to the Christian cause.
D. A Jew who refused to convert to Christianity: The Catholic Church viewed Judaism as an incomplete and superseded religion, therefore, Jews were often subjected to religious discrimination and persecution. During the middle ages, Jews were often pressured to convert to Christianity, and those who refused to convert were considered heretics, subjected to various forms of mistreatment, and often faced expulsion or even execution as a consequence of their refusal to abandon their religious beliefs.
Ultimately, the designation of heresy during the middle ages was highly dependent on the specific actions, beliefs, and interactions with the Christian church.