G. G. Coulton (1858–1947)

This book was originally written in 1930, during the era of US Prohibition. There is a bias against the 'Almighty American Dollar' and implicitly all things American. This collection of radio talks is dated but somewhat worthwhile to read in book form here. Coulton is hugely biased against the Roman Catholic Church and reads back into the Middle Ages the arguments of the Reformers. In the final chapters Coulton does admit some contributions by the Catholic culture but rather than seem balanced it merely appears to be undermining the aggressive criticisms he levels earlier on. Coulton, a historian, uses his presentation on the social aspects of the medieval world to absolve the English Royalty, and Nobility (Bishops were nobility), from any responsibility for the Roman breakdown to church administration. he says that monarchy only came to prominence at the end of the middle ages even though England had Kings throughout the age. Coulton says that instead of promoting mysticism the church veered toward canon law having ultimate authority over all matters (via the papacy) including biblical interpretation. Coulton does not argue for the value of the Anglican church but only that Roman Catholicism was practically deficient and needed to be replaced by a separation of church and state advocated by Marsilius of Padua's Defensor Pacis. Dante had mentioned this earlier in the Divine Comedy but Dante upheld the existence of the Papacy (in a morally reformed state). Coulton wants to disparage the papacy, so he chooses to ignore Dante while subscribing to Marsilius' opinion.… (mehr)