Video description
Were the Crusades and the Inquisition inherently evil—or is the history far more complicated than critics admit?
When Protestants and atheists compare the Crusades to ISIS, Sam Shamoun challenges the assumption behind the accusation. He explains the biblical difference between murder and lawful killing, the original defensive purpose of the Crusades, how legitimate authority can become corrupted, and why not every Crusade can be judged in exactly the same way.
The discussion then turns to the Inquisition. What biblical reasoning influenced medieval Christians, and what happens when Christians begin punishing other Christians who worship the same God differently?
Finally, Sam confronts the difficult question of church and state: If Christians governed a country, which biblical model should guide them—and which church would exercise authority?
This is not a blanket defense of every Crusade or every action of the Inquisition. It is a challenge to examine motives, authority, historical circumstances and moral standards before declaring everything either completely good or completely evil.
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Biblical references
Genesis 9:5–6 — The distinction between murder and lawful punishment.
Exodus 20:13 — “You shall not murder.”
Deuteronomy 13:1–5 — Israel’s responsibility to prevent idolatry and covenant corruption.
Deuteronomy 20:1–20 — Biblical regulations concerning warfare.
1 Chronicles 22:7–8 — David prevented from building the Temple because he had shed much blood.
1 Chronicles 28:1–3 — David described as a man of war who had shed blood.
Ecclesiastes 3:3, 8 — A time to kill, heal, love and wage war.
Matthew 22:21 — Responsibilities concerning God and governing authority.
Matthew 26:52 — Christ’s warning concerning the sword.
John 18:36 — Christ’s kingdom and the use of worldly force.
Romans 13:1–4 — Civil authority bearing the sword against wrongdoing.
Acts 5:29 — Obedience to God when earthly authority conflicts with Him.
1 Peter 2:13–17 — The Christian relationship to governing authorities.
