Muhammad died in 632. Within 30 years, Arab warriors conquered the entire Persian empire and much of the Byzantine empire. The conquered lands included Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and much of Afghanistan. By 715, Iberia (Spain and Portugal) had fallen as well. Eventually, the Muslim conquest enveloped fully two-thirds of the Christian world. But in 1095, Christendom fought back.

The First Crusade was amazingly successful. The crusaders marched hundreds of miles deep into enemy territory and recaptured not only the lost cities of Nicaea and Antioch, but in 1099 Jerusalem itself. Christendom had started to turn back Muslim conquests and restore formerly Christian lands to Christian rule. The crusades were an essential part of the martial defense of Europe. To celebrate the crusades is to celebrate the survival of Western civilization.

on the other hand, the crusades were anything but perfect. The Crusaders sacked Jerusalem, looted Constantinople, and generally killed every Muslim or Jewish man, woman, or child they came across. In Jerusalem, Raymond of Aguilers wrote of having to pick his way through corpses and blood that reached to his knees.

The chairman, as part of a sacred quest for truth, has called for a debate to settle the question:

Resolved: The Crusades Should Be Celebrated

The Debate will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 125 Nolte Hall, 315 Pillsbury Drive, Minneapolis on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at 612-709-1168 or the Secretary at (612) 204-5615

If you would like to receive email announcements of upcoming debates, email the John Adams Society with your name, email address, and a simple statement requesting future "Whip Sheets" via email.