Controversial Sayings

Of holy Jerusalem, brethren, we dare not speak, for we are exceedingly afraid and ashamed to speak of it. This very city, in which, as you all know, Christ Himself suffered for us, because our sins demanded it, has been reduced to the pollution of pa…

This land which as the Scripture says 'floweth with milk and honey,' was given by God into the possession of the children of Israel. Jerusalem is the navel of the world; the land is fruitful above others, like another paradise of delights.

Let our lives be stronger than death to fight against the enemies of the Christian people.

Warriors who hear my voice, you who will go to war, rejoice, because you are taking up a legitimate war… Arm yourselves with the sword of the Maccabees and go to defend the house of Israel who is the daughter of the Lord of Armies.

It is no longer a matter of avenging just the injuries made to men, but rather those made to God. It is no longer a matter of attacking a city or a castle, but of conquering the Holy Places. If you triumph, the blessings of Heaven and the kingdoms of…

Do not cowardly stay in your homes with profane affections and sentiments. Soldiers of God, hear nothing but the laments of Sion. Break all your earthly bonds and remember what the Lord said: 'He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy …

It is Jesus Christ Himself who leaves His Sepulcher and presents to you His Cross. It will be the sign that will unite the dispersed children of Israel. Raise it to your shoulders and place it on your chests. Let it shine on your arms and banners. Le…

The kingdom of the Greeks is now dismembered by them and deprived of territory so vast in extent that it can not be traversed in a march of two months. On whom therefore is the labor of avenging these wrongs and of recovering this territory incumbent…

For a woman is an imperfect man.

It is not lawful for a woman to hold public office, because she is not perfect enough to be able to direct others.

It is natural for the male to be stronger and more intelligent than the female.

The good of the intellect is truth; the good of the will is the good.

It is better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.

Man has free choice, or otherwise counsels, exhortations, commands, prohibitions, rewards and punishments would be in vain.

To convert the Jews, it is not enough to argue with them; they must be forced by fear to abandon their error.

The killing of evildoers is not contrary to divine justice, but is in accord with it.

Heretics can not only be excommunicated, but also justly killed.

It is permissible to kill a thief if he cannot otherwise be resisted.

The purpose of human law is to lead men to virtue, not suddenly, but gradually.

A thing is just when it is proportionate to another according to some equality.