The Christian Crusades – What were they?

TL;DR

The Crusades were violent, politically driven campaigns that falsely carried the banner of Christianity. God’s kingdom advances by us sharing the gospel—not by force or coercion.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Crusades began as military campaigns led by European powers between the late eleventh and early thirteenth centuries to reclaim territory in the Middle East that had been taken by force during earlier Islamic expansion. Though called “holy wars” with armies marching under Christian banners, they were primarily political and military endeavors. Many participants were not Christians by conviction but by cultural identity, and the campaigns often reflected the ambitions of kings and church officials rather than the teachings of Scripture.

The violence, forced conversions, and attacks on civilians carried out during these campaigns contradict the way Christ calls His people to live. Jesus taught that His kingdom is not advanced by the sword (John 18:36), that His followers are to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44), and that repentance and faith must be from the heart, not coerced (Romans 10:9–10). Scripture says that the gospel moves forward through preaching, persuasion, and sacrificial love (2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 3:15).

When viewed through this biblical lens, the Crusades doesn’t represent biblical Christianity.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the conquest of Canaan, God commanded the Israelites to take the land (e.g., Joshua 6:2–5). These instructions were specific, contextual, and not meant as a timeless model for all Christians.
The Old Testament repeatedly emphasizes that God alone is just and that His people must follow His commands, not their own reasoning in taking vengeance (Deuteronomy 32:35; Exodus 20:13). Human-led military campaigns cannot be justified simply because past wars occurred in Scripture.
Even in times of conflict, God holds people accountable for their hearts and actions (Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 55:8–9). The Christian Crusades cannot be directly equated with Old Testament warfare.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

The brutality and violence associated with the Crusades does not reflect biblical Christianity. The kingdom of Christ is not advanced by earthly force. Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world and would not be defended or expanded by the sword (John 18:36). He taught His followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and made clear that faith must come from the heart, not through coercion (Romans 10:9–10).
The apostles advanced the gospel through persuasion, prayer, and sacrificial service, not violence (2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Peter 3:15). In short, the Crusades represent actions wholly inconsistent with biblical Christianity.
Justice sometimes requires resisting evil, even through military force (Romans 13:3–4). So, the primary issue with the Crusades was not that wars were fought but that Christ’s name was used to sanctify political goals and violent acts. By claiming divine authority for actions that contradicted Scripture, the leaders of the Crusades created a lasting blight on Jesus’ name, with many using the Crusades’ atrocities to justify hatred towards Christians.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Not everything is as it seems. Social media posts of “perfect” people often hide dysfunctional lives. The “bargain” dishwasher you bought ends up costing a fortune in repair bills. What’s worse is when people or movements represent themselves as “Christian,” but don’t follow what Christ taught. Such is the case with the Crusades.

Real Christianity is found in Scripture. Jesus taught that love is the defining mark of His people and that truth does not permit cruelty toward others. Our faith should show up in the way we speak to others and handle conflict. Scripture commands us to carry out justice with integrity and respect for the image of God in every person (Micah 6:8; John 13:35). Authentic Christian love restrains anger and guides us to honor God when everything in us wants to retaliate.

The Crusades aren’t just a long-ago historical event; they are a warning about the causes we attach Jesus’ name to. Christ’s kingdom is not a means to an end, but advances when His people obey Him, speak truth with gentleness, seek reconciliation, defend the vulnerable, and reflect His character in every circumstance (Matthew 5:9; Galatians 5:22–23). You cannot represent Christ faithfully unless His love is changing the way you live.

UNDERSTAND

The Crusades were political and military campaigns, not biblical efforts to spread the gospel.
Old Testament wars were context-specific commands from God, not models for Christian warfare.
We do not advance faith by violence.

REFLECT

How do you respond when you see someone using Christianity to justify actions that contradict Jesus’ teachings?
In what ways can you share your faith without force or manipulation?
How are you challenged by what happened during the Crusades, and what does Scripture say that helps us process it?

ENGAGE

How can we distinguish between God’s commands in specific historical contexts and principles meant for all believers today?
In what ways might well-intentioned Christians today inadvertently “weaponize” their faith, and how can we guard against doing that?
How do the Crusades challenge our understanding of what it truly means to advance God’s kingdom in the world?