178k views
5 votes
Why did preaching friars such as Berthhold attract such large audiences?

User Lesto
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Preaching friars attracted large audiences through their emotionally charged and relatable sermons, offering a personal experience that deviated from traditional church services and enhanced religious devotion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Preaching friars like Berthhold attracted large audiences for several key reasons. These charismatic speakers, such as George Whitefield and others during the religious movements, offered a personal emotional experience that resonated with the common people.

Their open-air preaching provided a stark contrast to the traditional, more reserved church services and often featured an emotionally charged atmosphere where attendees could feel the Holy Spirit at work. Additionally, the rhetoric used by speakers like Peter the Hermit during the First Crusade utilized powerful emotions such as fervor, anger, or fear to inspire people to action.

Finally, the appeal of relatable, human aspects of religious figures and stories, as depicted by religious art like the Röttgen Pietä, heightened people's connection to the divine, fostering a deeper personal devotion.

User Jenski
by
7.7k points