Louis, how should a king rule his kingdom well, ensuring justice and good government? How should a king treat the churchand protect the Christian faith? What can this text tell us about royal administration and relations between church and state in medieval France?.
During the midieval ages, the role of a Christian king was one of great honor and responsiblity. Perhaps no man bore this title more deservingly or more perfectly than Saint Louis IX, King of France. However, immediately following this statement, several questions come to mind: How should a Christian king rule his kingdom well, promoting justice and good government, as he had done? Also, how should a Christian king reguard the church and protect the Christian faith? I believe King Louis achieved all of this primarily by a close cooperation of both himself and the church, in efforts to promote notions of good will and holy inspiration to all members of his kingdom. Also, to make laws that do not concern themselves soley to the advantage of the upperclass, (nobility and high-ranking clergy men) but for the benefit of the entire kingdom (merchants, peasants, and even beggars). These include laws that pay particular attention to ending the corruption that comes from upperclass members abusing their power. Finally, yet not the least important, by the king being a good role model for his people. By this general statement, there are two facets: Obeying the laws he has created for his subjects so as not to be a hypocrite.(reguarding himself with higher priority than the law) Secondly, by projecting an image that confers the respect and authority of a king, yet at the same time is shown to be humble towards God. Apart from being a king, his deeds and attitude as a man should be a great example of what his subjects should aspire to.
With much reference to Joinville, Life of ST. Louis ( a portion of contents from the book Readings in Medieval History) by Patrick J.