Course Overview
In times past, the Crusades were regarded as a manifestation of the glory of Christendom, but in our age, enemies of the Church often distort the story of the Crusades. In this course, Christopher Check guides you on an accurate look at this fascinating and controversial part
of history.
Topics covered in this course:
Almost everyone has heard of the Crusades, but few people can say what they were or how they came about—and few Catholics are informed enough to explain and defend them. This course will enable you to do so. You’ll explore topics such as:
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How the Crusades have been understood throughout history
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The Church and the papacy in the eleventh century
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Marks of the Crusades
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Motives of the Crusaders
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The political world of the Mediterranean Sea
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The decline of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of Islam
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Were the Crusaders guilty of atrocities?
Watch a Free Sample Lesson
What were the Crusades? Why are they worth defending? Christopher Check explains.
Meet your Instructor
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Instructor
Christopher Check
A graduate of Rice University, Christopher Check is the president of Catholic Answers. He lectures on Church history, lives of saints, the culture war, and the dangers of modern communication technology. Chris appears frequently on Catholic Answers Live, and Catholic Answers FOCUS, both as a guest and host.
Course curriculum
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1
Defending the Crusades
- Defending the Crusades: Introduction
- Download the Course Study Guide
- Lesson 1: Introduction to the Crusades
- Quiz: Introduction to the Crusades
- Lesson 2: How People See the Crusades Today
- Quiz: How People See the Crusades Today
- Lesson 3: How the Crusades Have Been Understood Throughout History
- Quiz: How the Crusades Have Been Understood Throughout History
- Lesson 4: Who Was Medieval Man?
- Quiz: Who Was Medieval Man?
- Lesson 5: The Mediterranean World - Christianity Cedes to Islam
- Quiz: The Mediterranean World: Christianity Cedes to Islam
- Lesson 6: The Byzantine Empire in the 11th Century
- Quiz: The Byzantine Empire in the 11th Century
- Lesson 7: The Church and the Papacy in the 11th Century
- Quiz: The Church and the Papacy in the 11th Century
- Lesson 8: Pilgrimage, Relics, and Indulgence
- Quiz: Pilgrimage, Relics, and Indulgence
- Lesson 9: The Council of Clermont
- Quiz: The Council of Clermont
- Lesson 10: Marks of the Crusade
- Quiz: Marks of the Crusade
- Lesson 11: The Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Military Religious Orders
- Quiz: The Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Military Religious Orders
- Lesson 12: Some Things the Crusades Gave Us
- Quiz: Some Things the Crusades Gave Us
- Lesson 13: Were Crusaders Guilty of Atrocities?
- Quiz: Were Crusaders Guilty of Atrocities?
- Lesson 14: Some Other Objections
- Quiz: Some Other Objections