So, this lady named Linda from Kentucky called in with a problem that might sound familiar: her 36-year-old son, who left the Church, is super skeptical about things like the Crusades. 



Patrick jumps in with the truth; most people really have no idea what the Crusades were actually about. Here’s his explanation which you'll find helpful:



The Crusades weren’t some greedy Catholic land grab to crush Muslims and force conversions. Nope! It all started because Islam was spreading aggressively out of the Arabian Peninsula. They weren't exactly sending missionaries and care packages; they were using military force. When they reached the Holy Land (yes, our Holy Land), things got ugly. Christian holy sites were taken over, knocked down, and replaced with mosques. Christians were being persecuted, forced to convert or live as "dhimmis" (third-class citizens). Many faced brutal consequences like their homes being taken, their stuff confiscated, and even women being forced into slavery.



The Catholic response? In 1095, Pope Urban II said, “This will NOT stand.” He called for a Crusade to liberate the Christians who were suffering. The goal wasn’t to conquer or convert Muslims. It was to help fellow Christians. Sure, there were bad actors (like some Crusaders who caused chaos in Constantinople), but those were outliers. The main purpose was defending Christian lands and people.



If Linda’s son wants to know the real truth, Patrick suggests she steer him toward some solid resources, like his book Pope Fictionor historical accounts by experts like Regine Pernoud. 



💡 So, bottom line: The Crusades were far from the black-and-white narrative that gets tossed around today. There’s way more to the story!





The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

So, this lady named Linda from Kentucky called in with a problem that might sound familiar: her 36-year-old son, who left the Church, is super skeptical about things like the Crusades. 
 
Patrick jumps in with the truth; most people really have no idea what the Crusades were actually about. Here’s his explanation which you'll find helpful:
 
The Crusades weren’t some greedy Catholic land grab to crush Muslims and force conversions. Nope! It all started because Islam was spreading aggressively out of the Arabian Peninsula. They weren't exactly sending missionaries and care packages; they were using military force. When they reached the Holy Land (yes, our Holy Land), things got ugly. Christian holy sites were taken over, knocked down, and replaced with mosques. Christians were being persecuted, forced to convert or live as "dhimmis" (third-class citizens). Many faced brutal consequences like their homes being taken, their stuff confiscated, and even women being forced into slavery.
 
The Catholic response? In 1095, Pope Urban II said, “This will NOT stand.” He called for a Crusade to liberate the Christians who were suffering. The goal wasn’t to conquer or convert Muslims. It was to help fellow Christians. Sure, there were bad actors (like some Crusaders who caused chaos in Constantinople), but those were outliers. The main purpose was defending Christian lands and people.
 
If Linda’s son wants to know the real truth, Patrick suggests she steer him toward some solid resources, like his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pope-Fiction-Answers-Misconceptions-Papacy/dp/0964261006#:~:text=Pope%20Fiction%20drives%20straight%20to%20the%20heart%20of%20the%20issue:">Pope Fiction </a>or historical accounts by experts like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crusaders-Struggle-Holy-Land/dp/0898709490#:~:text=R%C3%A9gine%20Pernoud%20presents%20for%20us%20a%20living%20picture%20in%20which">Regine Pernoud</a>. 
 
💡 So, bottom line: The Crusades were far from the black-and-white narrative that gets tossed around today. There’s way more to the story!
 
 
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here.</a>

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Advertisement