"The novice kisses him and feels cold, like ice, and after the kiss the memory of catholic faith totally disappears from his heart" (Kors and Peters 115) This quote from Pope Gregory IX regarding heretics is one that I believe helps best set the stage for the demonization of medieval heretics. The man that the novice is kissing in this description is described as having "very black eyes" and "so emaciated and thin that, since his flesh has been wasted, seems to have remaining only skin drawn over the bone". To me this is a way to link heresy and witchcraft because this feels like the heretic is making a pact with the devil, a pact that was paramount when it came to witchcraft.
The way that heretics were described attempted to demonize them in the eyes of the masses. Some heretics were referred to as Luciferans (CP 80) while others were said to "worship the dragon which wages war on God and his angels. (CP 81) The many descriptions depicted and written about of these heretics really do make them out to be a agent of evil or the devil. Many of the same descriptions and images are later used to describe witches and sorcery during the witch hunts.
Are there any other instances that show heretics making a pact with a devil or bear a resemblance to descriptions of witches? Do you think that images like these helped build the foundations of the witch hunts?
Zach, I really enjoyed reading your post. While I read the description of the man being kissed, I began to find myself having extremely negative feelings toward him. I can easily see how these descriptions could sway people's views against magicians and the likes of people who practiced forms of magic. Thanks again for the post!
ReplyDeleteZach,
ReplyDeleteI thought your post was interesting. After reading this passage, I myself thought it was interesting that Christian authorities demonized heretics so thoroughly because through this demonization, these authorities weren't just punishing the heretics but were also keeping "good Christians" from straying off the path and becoming heretics themselves. The demonization was almost as much of a preventative measure as it was a punishment to the heretics, don't you think?
Overall a good post and interesting topic!
Hi Zach,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! "...after the kiss the memory of catholic faith totally disappears from his heart" I thought this was a great quote to use and gave me an image that the devil had a big role when dealing with witches. It also gives a creepy vibe and is a great way to show the intensity of this time period.
This post very much got me thinking about how the Catholic Church demonized heretics at the time period and how easily such slander can be accomplished. It reminded me of class on Friday when we heard a Roman accusation of the deviance of early Christianity. it definitely tells how simple it is to demonize groups of people.
ReplyDeleteZach what a great post. I think the imagery of the man is so significant. Your analysis is spot on and I love the quote when it talks about the only skin left on his face.
ReplyDelete