God's Battalions: The Case for the Crusades

Rodney Stark examines the history of the seven major crusades from 1095-1291, arguing against prevailing interpretations of these conflicts. Stark contends that the Crusades were not unprovoked military campaigns, nor were they motivated by colonialism, land acquisition, plunder, or religious conversion. He disputes the characterization of Crusaders as barbaric aggressors against a more sophisticated Muslim civilization, instead presenting them as believers acting according to their religious convictions. Stark positions his analysis as a counterpoint to recent scholarship that justifies Muslim holy wars by emphasizing Christian violence. Drawing on diverse historical sources, he examines Christianity's efforts to secure the Holy Lands and ensure the safety of Christian pilgrims. The work incorporates accounts of monks, Templars, priests, pilgrims, kings, and other historical figures involved in these campaigns, presenting documented facts and figures about the Crusades' origins and conduct.