Many people point to the Crusades as proof that Christianity is a bad faith, a violent religion. Others use them as a reason to reject Christ altogether. Even today, some Islamic extremists have attempted to justify acts of terrorism by claiming they are avenging what happened during the Crusades centuries ago.
Before accepting either the accusations or the defenses, it is worth asking an honest question:
What actually were the Crusades?
The answer deserves more than slogans. It deserves historical honesty and, above all, biblical truth.
The first truth Christians should remember is that the Crusades were not commanded by Jesus Christ. They were military campaigns promoted primarily by the medieval Roman Catholic Church and supported by various European rulers between approximately A.D. 1095 and 1291. Participants called themselves Christians, but merely claiming Christ's name does not mean someone is obeying Christ.
Jesus Himself said,
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
He also declared,
"My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting..." (John 18:36)
The Lord Jesus never instructed His followers to spread His kingdom by the sword. His Gospel advances through repentance, faith, truth, sacrificial love, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, not forced conversions or military conquest (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Throughout history, countless people have committed terrible acts while claiming God's approval. Scripture itself warns that not everyone who claims to belong to Christ truly knows Him.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven..." (Matthew 7:21-23).
The New Testament repeatedly warns about false believers, false teachers, and wolves in sheep's clothing (Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 2:19).
That reality should not surprise us. Jesus predicted it.
Understanding the Historical Background
The Crusades did not arise in a historical vacuum.
Beginning in the seventh century, Muslim armies rapidly expanded beyond Arabia, conquering vast territories that had previously been under Christian rule, including much of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, North Africa, and later parts of Asia Minor. These conquests dramatically changed the religious and political landscape of the Middle East. Christian communities that had existed for centuries came under Islamic rule. Historical records document periods of varying treatment. Some rulers permitted Christian communities to continue under restrictions and special taxation, while others persecuted, displaced, enslaved, or killed Christians. The experience differed greatly depending on the region, ruler, and century.
By the late eleventh century, the Byzantine Empire appealed to Western Europe for military assistance after suffering significant territorial losses. At the same time, reports circulated of attacks on Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. These developments became major factors leading to the First Crusade.
Recognizing this background helps explain why the Crusades began. It does not justify every action that followed.
Many Crusaders sincerely believed they were serving God. Yet sincerity alone never determines whether something is right.
"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Many Crusaders committed acts that stand in direct contradiction to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Entire cities were massacred. Civilians were killed. Jewish communities were attacked. People were pressured or forced to convert. Such actions cannot be defended from Scripture.
The Bible never authorizes Christians to spread the Gospel by coercion or violence.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
"The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4)
Christians fight spiritual battles, not wars to establish God's kingdom on earth by force.
Christianity Must Be Judged by Christ
One of the greatest mistakes people make is judging Christianity by those who misuse Christ's name instead of by Christ Himself.
Every generation has had people who wore the label "Christian" without possessing the heart of Christ.
Jesus warned,
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
A counterfeit does not invalidate the genuine.
The existence of corrupt doctors does not prove medicine is false.
Dishonest judges do not abolish justice.
Likewise, sinful people who misuse Christ's name do not invalidate Jesus Christ or His Gospel.
As C. S. Lewis wisely observed,
"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance."
Our faith ultimately rests on the person of Jesus Christ, not on every individual who has ever claimed to represent Him.
How Should Christians Respond?
When someone says, "What about the Crusades?" Christians do not need to become defensive or rewrite history.
We can acknowledge the historical failures honestly.
Where evil occurred, we should call it evil.
Where innocent people suffered, we should grieve.
Where Christ's name was misused, we should say so plainly.
The Bible teaches us to "abhor what is evil" (Romans 12:9), even when the evil is committed by people who claim to represent God.
At the same time, fairness requires consistency.
It is reasonable to ask:
- Should people living today be personally blamed for events that happened nearly a thousand years ago?
- Should every person who identifies with a religion be held responsible for every crime ever committed by someone claiming that same religion?
- Should Christianity itself be judged by those who ignored Christ's own teachings?
Most people recognize that collective guilt is neither just nor reasonable.
The same standard should be applied consistently.
Faithfulness When Circumstances Look Dark
History reminds us that the greatest victories for Christ have rarely come through military strength. They have come through ordinary believers who trusted God when everything around them appeared hopeless.
Consider William Carey. Friends told him overseas missions were impossible. He spent years translating Scripture, often with little visible fruit. Then revival came. God's Word spread across India, and millions have been influenced by his faithful labor. Carey often repeated the conviction that shaped his life:
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."
Think of George Müller. He refused to manipulate people for money. Instead, he prayed. Again and again, food arrived at the orphanage just as the children sat down with empty plates. God's timing strengthened the faith of thousands who witnessed His quiet provision.
Or consider Corrie ten Boom. Imprisoned for hiding Jewish families during the Holocaust, she watched terrible suffering unfold. Yet after the war she traveled the world proclaiming Christ's forgiveness. She testified,
"There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still."
Her life beautifully reflected Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20.
The pattern remains unchanged.
God often asks His children to walk by faith long before they see His purpose.
Abraham waited.
Joseph suffered.
Moses wandered.
David fled.
Jeremiah wept.
Paul endured beatings and imprisonment.
Above all, Jesus endured the cross before the resurrection.
The path of faith frequently passes through valleys before reaching mountaintops.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
The Last Word
The true Christian faith is not defined by medieval wars.
It is defined by a crucified and risen Savior who loved His enemies, forgave sinners, called people to repentance, and offered eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The Gospel never advances through coercion.
It advances one transformed heart at a time.
As Charles Spurgeon said,
"The Word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself."
And as A. W. Tozer wrote,
"God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work."
When circumstances seem confusing, I say know Jesus personally and remain faithful to Him. History rises and falls. Kingdoms come and go. But Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Those who trust Him will never ultimately be put to shame (Romans 10:11; Psalm 25:3). Please knowGod.org
Genesis 6:11-13
"Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence."
Violence was one of the primary reasons God judged the ancient world.
Psalm 11:5
"The LORD tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence."
God does not merely dislike violence for its own sake. He hates those who delight in it.
Psalm 34:14
"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
Christians are called to be peacemakers whenever righteousness allows.
Psalm 82:3-4
"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
God commands the protection of innocent people.
Proverbs 6:16-19
God hates:
"...hands that shed innocent blood..."
This applies regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion.
Isaiah 1:16-17
"Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression..."
Micah 6:8
"He has told you, O man, what is good...to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."
Bible Verses About Defending the Innocent
The Bible distinguishes between murder and the legitimate protection of innocent life.
Proverbs 24:11-12
"Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter."
Esther 8:11
God's people were legally permitted
"...to defend their lives..."
against those seeking to destroy them.
Nehemiah 4:14
"Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."
This describes defending families from attack, not forced conversion or religious conquest.
Luke 3:14
John the Baptist did not tell soldiers to abandon military service. Instead, he instructed them to serve justly.
"Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages."
Bible Verses Rejecting Forced Religion
Jesus never authorized conversion by violence.
John 18:36
"My kingdom is not of this world..."
Matthew 26:52
"Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus commanded disciples to make disciples through teaching, not coercion.
Romans 10:17
"Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Saving faith cannot be compelled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Our warfare is spiritual.
Bible Verses About God Judging Oppressors
Psalm 9:9
"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed."
Psalm 10:17-18
God hears
"...the desire of the afflicted..."
and brings justice.
Romans 12:19
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves...for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord."
Revelation 19:11
Christ will one day judge perfectly.
"In righteousness He judges and makes war."
Bible Verses About Remaining Faithful During Violent Times
Joshua 1:9
"Be strong and courageous...for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I am with you."
Romans 8:35-39
Nothing can separate believers from Christ's love.
2 Timothy 1:7
"God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
"The church advances not by force of arms but by prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit."
That's reflected in Zechariah 4:6 and Acts 1:8.
"The kingdom of Christ is not advanced by the sword but by the cross." Anon.
"God never intended that His Gospel should be spread by fire and sword." ~
Charles Spurgeon
His preaching was always against coercion and violent religion.
"Truth does not fear investigation."
John MacArthur
The power and message of the Gospel changes hearts. Governments change laws.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that."
Martin Luther King Jr.
"The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."
Tertullian
The Church has no weapon but the sword of the Spirit which is the truth of the Word of God. We want to use the Bible to win souls to Christ and edify these people unto spiritual maturity. That's our aim and hope.
"Our Lord bids us win men, not destroy them."
Charles Spurgeon (reflecting his repeated teaching on evangelism.
"Evil triumphs whenever good men refuse to stand for what is right." ~ Anon.
Many invasions carried out under Islamic rulers involved warfare, persecution, enslavement, and atrocities that caused immense suffering. Christians should neither whitewash one nor exaggerate.
As believers, we mourn every innocent life taken, condemn every act of rape, murder, cruelty, and oppression, refuse to justify evil because it was committed by "our side," and look forward to the day when Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous King, "will judge the world in righteousness" (Psalm 96:13; Acts 17:31). Until then, we are called to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
History reminds us that human beings are capable of terrible evil regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religious profession. The Crusades included grave sins committed by many people. Let's pray for Muslims to come to know Christ in a personal way. We all need Jesus. KnowGod.org
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