Steel and Sanctity: The Medieval Ideal of Christian Manhood (#382)
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg explores the medieval Catholic ideal of chivalry—a powerful blend of manly courage, martial skill, and Christian virtue aimed at defending the vulnerable and imitating Christ. He defines the term's origins and meaning, drawing on etymology and historical context. Featuring quotations from sources like Ramon Llull's "Book of the Order of Chivalry," St. Bernard of Clairvaux's writings on the Templars, and Thomas Aquinas on fortitude, Greg unpacks how this vision integrated faith and action. Through examples of saints like St. George, St. Michael, St. Joseph, St. Martin of Tours, Godfrey of Bouillon, and St. Louis IX, plus chivalric figures in Arthurian legends and Dante's Divine Comedy, he reflects on chivalry's role in a holistic Catholic worldview. He also critiques the modern shift away from robust manly virtues toward emotive expressions in Christianity, including the erosion via standing armies and the longing among Protestants and evangelicals for godly masculinity, calling for a reclaiming of this timeless ideal.
You also might like these episodes on similar topics:
- Warrior Monks (#198)
- Those Who Work, Those Who Fight, and Those Who Pray (#197)
- The Crusades (#157)
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