The Sæculum Obscurum

[ErosWired]

Well.

You learn something new every day.

Apparently, in the history of the Papacy - that’s the History of Popes, mind you - the first two-thirds of the 10th Century, from 904AD -964AD, came to be known as the Sæculum Obscurum, the “Dark Age”, also known as The Pornocracy, or the Rule of the Harlots. It would seem that the daughter of an important Roman noble became the concubine of Pope Sergius III when she was 15, and discovered a whole new meaning to the phrase “pussy power”. She later took other husbands (plural) and lovers, got her son made Pope, and she and her mom more or less had the Papacy by the short and curlies for over half a century. There were twelve - count ‘em, twelve - Popes during this period, one of whom was the alleged lover of the mom, another the daughter’s grandson by a different son.

The Church doesn’t talk about this much, I gather.

The point is, Brethren, if the Papacy itself can become a Pornocracy for half a century, surely there is hope for the wanton.

[brnbk]

Church history is filled with LGBTQ men and women trying to make sense of their own self and sexuality and the teachings of the Church.  The Knights Templar are a good example of a male 💪fraternal💏 organization that was stomped upon by the powers that be with the primary allegations of sodomy against them, even though they where doing so much good in the world – running businesses which  we in the modern world call banks, hotels etc. Pope Clement V disbanded the order in 1312. Interestingly,  a century later, Joan of Arc  was burnt in  1431, one of the chief charges against her was  cross-dressing i.e. she dressed like a man and not a maiden/girl. 

 

[ErosWired]

4 hours ago, brnbk said:

even though they where doing so much good in the world –

I’m not sure the Saracens would concur, but being put to the sword tends to bias one’s perspective.

Edited September 28, 2023 by ErosWired

[badjujuboy]

The Knights Templar, while disbanded by Clement V, was the main holder of the large debt owed by Phillip IV. Phillip IV urged/coerced the Clement V to disband them in order to get out of debt. The Templars were a wealthy, powerful and influential organization that had many critics as well as enemies who used any means necessary to eliminate them. 

Edited September 30, 2023 by badjujuboy