Satan Saints and Heretics

In the European Middle Ages the use of religion toattain political ends was a routine strategy andremains a rich source for research. Politics andreligion were so closely intertwined in the MiddleAges it can be difficult to separate the knots. Thisbook examines one thread: How demonology was used inthe politics of power and the evaluation of powerplayers in the Middle Ages? Embattled kings likeHenry II of England and Philip the Fair of Francecould align themselves with the righteous side of thecosmic battle even against similarly embattled popeslike Boniface VIII and John XXII. Demonology is acomplex non-linear tradition of texts beginning ata minimum with the earliest books of the OldTestament. This book is a history of ideas thatdemonstrates the importance demonology held in theMiddle Ages and the seriousness of charges of heresyapostasy sorcery and witchcraft. Every institutionhad a responsibility to protect the Christiancommunity against demonic influences and to savesouls and every Christian was a member of the ChurchMilitant acting on behalf of the Church Triumphant.