The Inquisitor's Guide: A Medieval Manual on Heretics

by Bernard Guidoni

The fourteenth century would see Europe wracked by upheaval, war, rebellion, famine and plague. To many it seemed as though society itself was breaking apart, a true age of apocalypse. No institution was above the tumult. The Church, which had survived critics and outlived sects, found itself under virulent attack from heretics. It countered with the inquisition. Designed to identify, catch and suppress heresy, this notorious institution was born in south-western France and tasked with the destruction of the heretical Cathars of Languedoc. In 1307 Bernard Gui reached Toulouse to take up his appointment as inquisitor. For the next two decades he mounted a relentless campaign against the region's heretics and schismatics. Targeting Cathars, Beguins, Waldensians, relapsed Jews, sorcerers and 'those who invoke demons,' he worked hard to bring such 'twisting snakes out of the sink and abyss of error'. His experiences enabled him to pen this fascinating guide. It is a practical manual on the conduct of inquisitions intended for his colleagues and successors. It sets out, in a plain and readable manner, how to combat medieval heresy's assault on the Church. How to seek out, identify and capture heretics; how to understand their strengths and weaknesses; how to try them; how to counter their devious methods and prevent them from 'hiding behind deceitful words'; how judgement should be made and how punishment delivered. By so doing, Gui provides a wealth of information on the Cathars and on medieval life in general. Gui's manual is a fascinating insight into this tumultuous period, an insider's view of the infamous inquisition and a brilliant window into the medieval mind.

Genres: Religion, History

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1324

About the author

Published also as Bernardo Gui, Bernard Gui, and Bernardus Guidonis.

Reviews

[Ella]

Read for Trinity Term Primary Tutorial: Medieval Heresy

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interessant als tijdsdocument maar vrij eentonige lectuur.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Although probably intended as textbook, this prolific inquisitor had a good grasp of the popular heretics of that time, and wrote a novel about them. The depth of questions, and poignantly endless list, seemed to mean, the accused had no chance to turn the tides.

If Gui wanted an interview, you might as well coat yourself in flammable liquid ... you're going up in smoke.

The writing style was part (short) introduction of the heretic type, then the question list. I gathered only the most-skilled inquisitor could use the list with any real effectiveness for finding the truth. The inflexible style reminded me of a poorly-written school textbook. That is, "this is how it was, because I said so."

The author failed to suggest how to score the answers. The directness (for guilt) of the questions lacked any realistic possibilities of interviewee to explain themselves. Also, albeit not required, the motivation of the inquisitor is not clearly established.

Was is it as simple as not recognizing the Pope, to be deemed a heretic? Seems like the typical enforcement officer response of, "sorry, just doing my job" and limitless power of the inquisitor is frightening.

Seems they just went after the big fish, to set an example. Why not set aside a chapter for the peasants, a commoner that participates in small groups to practice religion on a small scale? I am probably losing the definition of "heretic" that the inquisitors were after.

"You're guilty, now confess!" Wait, is that is happening now? ;)