Arnold of Brescia: Apostle of Liberty in Twelfth-Century Europe

Arnold of Brescia (ca 1100-1155) exiled twice and finally martyred takes us into the student world of Paris during the blossoming of the twelfth-century Renaissance through an infamous heresy trial to teaching in Paris then Zurich and into Rome where he was the spiritual leader of the city for almost a decade. Arnold believed the church should be separate from civil government. He supported the revived Roman Senate and the Roman people who were foremost among the many who loved and admired him. An Augustinian canon regular Arnold made the authorities ecclesiastical and imperial tremble. He was a brilliant scholar of Latin literature and Scripture--a combination that made him both sane and formidable. He was first a student and later a colleague of the great Peter Abelard--a champion of reason. Their independence brought them into conflict with Bernard of Clairvaux relentless defender of the status quo in society and theology. Arnold vigorously supported the democratic commune movement as cities struggled for independence from episcopal control during the twelfth century. A man of learning and action he challenged the medieval synthesis by which popes and emperors exercised authority. In this fresh and readable narrative Phil Johnson illumines the critical issues and intellectual ferment of medieval Europe in the twelfth century. After nearly a millennium Arnolds untiring advocacy for the ministry and integrity of the church still speaks a transforming word in the relationships of clergy and laity the sacred and the secular wealth and power spiritual depth and intellectual integrity. --Philip J. Anderson Professor Emeritus of Church History North Park Theological Seminary [Johnsons] thoughtful examination of the text is intense and thorough; he is able to uncover hidden truths and provide revealing footnotes that make the text human and alive. With acumen wit and a discerning eye Johnson maintains the readers interest in this new work about Arnold of Brescia. --Arthur Mampel Poet Arnold of Brescia is a clear and careful study of this martyred defender of apostolic poverty a church free of state control the rights of towns to self-governance the role of the laity and ecclesiastical and civil democracy. Johnsons work will convince the reader of both Arnolds historical significance and his contemporary relevance. --Thomas Tredway Emeritus Professor of History and President Augustana College Johnson illuminates engagingly the life of an almost forgotten deeply spiritual twelfth-century champion of secular society. Arnold of Brescias integrity faith and tenacity in the face of entrenched and powerful religious forces are amazing. Arnolds clarity of purpose and passion for liberty cost him his life. His story challenges us today. --Sherod Miller Sociologist Phillip D. Johnson is editor emeritus of Pietisten an ecumenical journal that draws inspiration from the heritage of Lutheran Wesleyan and Moravian Pietism. He has been a pastor teacher president of a motel company and psychologist. He writes regularly in Pietisten and is the author of Funny Stuff in the Bible. He received his MDiv degree at Andover-Newton Theological School his MTh in church history at Luther Seminary and his MA in counseling at Saint Marys University of Minnesota. He lives in Minneapolis Minnesota.