A crusade is a term that refers to a series of religious wars initiated, supported, and sometimes directed by the Christian Latin Church in the medieval period. The term "crusade" first referred to military expeditions undertaken by European Christians in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries to the Holy Land. These military expeditions were considered a penitential exercise, and so earned participants forgiveness for all confessed sins. The conflicts to which the term is applied have been extended to include other campaigns initiated, supported, and sometimes directed by the Roman Catholic Church against pagans, heretics, or for alleged religious ends.
In modern times, the term "crusade" has been used more broadly to refer to any vigorous, aggressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc. . For example, a crusade against child abuse or a crusade for racial equality.
In summary, a crusade can refer to:
- A series of religious wars initiated, supported, and sometimes directed by the Christian Latin Church in the medieval period.
- Military expeditions undertaken by European Christians in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries to the Holy Land.
- Other campaigns initiated, supported, and sometimes directed by the Roman Catholic Church against pagans, heretics, or for alleged religious ends.
- Any vigorous, aggressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc. .
