The Confrontation Between a Crusader and a Protestant Christian: A Heterodox Dialogue

Assuming that a Crusader and a modern-day Protestant were to meet in actuality, the confrontation would be as strange and exotic to each as the other is to their world. The keywords crusaders, Protestant Christianity, and medieval attitudes are key to understanding the context and implications of this historical fiction.

Religious Understanding and Conflict

From a modern perspective, Protestants would be considered heretics or schismatics, a classification that would have significant implications in the eyes of a Medieval Crusader. The concept of extra Ecclesiam nulla salvus ("outside the Church, there is no salvation") held by the Crusaders would have given a modern Protestant Christian an immediate and severe condemnation by the Crusader.

The medieval attitude towards Protestants would be harsh. As seen in the Inferno by Dante, where heretics and those who alter Catholic doctrine are punished in hell, heretics and schismatics would likely be seen as deserving of eternal punishment. The Crusader might tell the Protestant to repent and return to the Church, as salvation is believed to be only through the Catholic Church.

Language, Beliefs, and Behavior

Assuming language barriers and miscommunication, much of their encounters would be strain-filled and filled with mutual incomprehension. In medieval times, the clergy had access to the Bible and other religious writings but religion was mostly about performance rather than doctrine. Society was based on interpersonal relationships, whereas Protestant religion is text-driven, based on the availability of the vernacular printed Bible and an emphasis on personal interpretation.

A medieval Crusader would likely not engage in dialogue with a Protestant, but rather would resort to violence. Confrontations of this nature would often result in violence, including beheading, raping, and killing those who opposed the Crusader's beliefs.

A Thought Experiment: The Crusader's Perspective

From a modern perspective, if the Crusader did indeed encounter a Protestant, their interaction might take a distinctly different and more humane tone. After a slap to the metal head of his opponent, the Crusader might express horror at the behavior of his fellow Catholics:

"Die Cathar heretic!" or possibly "Die Hussite scum!"

Then, in a more reflective tone, the Crusader might express his disappointment in the legacy of the Crusades and the consequences for future generations:

"Deus Vult? My ass. You guys willed it. Asshats.

Later generations are going to have a hell of a time trying to explain the impact of the Crusades.

More conversationally, the Crusader might finally express his disgust and spread his modern viruses to the unsuspecting Protestant, adding a contemporary touch to the historical narrative.

Conclusion

The clash of beliefs, language, and societal norms between a Crusader and a Protestant would be a fascinating point of contrast and conflict. Whether through religious dialogue or violent confrontation, the meeting of these two historical figures would be a testament to the complexity and diversity of human beliefs and actions throughout history.