Many prominent medieval scholars and clergymen have written on the topics of history, religious and socio-political policy specifically in the post-Constantinian era. Three of these men where Eusebius of Cæsarea, Bede, and St. Gregory of Tours. These works contain specific characteristics describing the place of nobility and the reform of secular authority, as well as the legitimacy of political ideals based of each man’s interpretation of faith and the word of God.
Eusebius of Cæsarea, in The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine speaks of the first “Holy Roman Emperor” in a manner of awe and reverence. To Eusebius, the emperor is above the people, the physical manifestation of the will of God. “And God himself, whom Constantine worshiped, has…show more content… Bede did emphasize on following the teachings of the scripture, describing a great man as “He led his life in great perfection, of humility, meekness, continence, simplicity, and justice” (Bede pg. 164). Evokeing the scriptures of Proverbs 11 regarding the fruits of the Tree of Life. Bede also praises those Holy men who correct the paths of Nobility who are in need of guidance. Though this is a gentle nudge in comparison to the corrections and rebukes delivered by St. Gregory of Tours.
Unlike Bede or Eusebius, St. Gregory of Tours is far less certain of the divine aspect of those in power. He knew that they could falter, and therefore called for a system that held the Nobility accountable for their actions. This personal philosophy is a large factor in the reason why St. Gregory is at odds with King Chilperic. (Gregory b. V) He believed that murder and violence was to be used only against the Godless or the Heretic. And was only just in this context. Please don’t be mad at me for