I'd learned how to do historical research by then, and knew that folks from different countries might see events in different ways.
America started as an English colony, so it's not surprising that we often see European history from an English perspective.
Folks in England weren't likely to by sympathetic toward a young French woman who managed to embarrass English forces. After Henry VIII set up his personal church, being solidly Catholic probably didn't help Joan of Arc's reputation in England either.
The Maid of Orleans might have been an incredibly lucky lunatic with unbelievable charisma, whose luck finally ran out at Compiègne. It seemed more likely that this unlikely young military commander and philosopher had the same sort of backing as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thomas More.
By 1430, she'd thoroughly frightened both English and Burgundian leaders, which helps explain the sort of trial she got: by English occupation forces in Rouen. And that's another topic. Topics.
High-Profile Missions
By the way, if I got unmistakable instructions, like Ezekiel by the river Chebar, Saul on his way to Damascus, or St. Jeanne d'Arc near Domrémy: well, that probably won't happen. Most of us don't get those high-profile missions, for which I'm duly grateful.Somewhat-related posts:
- "Content to be 'Out of Step' "
(January 6, 2013) - "Fulton Sheen, Bias, and the Catholic Church"
(March 28, 2012) - "Gluttonous Friars, and the Great Faustian Helicopter Chase"
(November 28, 2011)
Particularly - "Saint Christopher, 1969, the Catholic Church, and All That"
(April 5, 2011) - "'Death Cookie' Comic: Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time?"
(March 5, 2010)
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