ABSTRACT
A distinct feature of the early crusades was the question of how to morally and legally justify a religious war against enemies of the Church such as apostates. During the twelfth century, the Church strongly accepted the use of force against apostates, in the same way that it accepted it against heretics or infidels. In theory, a crusade was no ordinary pilgrimage nor a military campaign. The crusade against the Wends could be seen as a sort of experiment conducted by the papacy. However, the apologists had difficulties in justifying a war without religious benefits. The crusade against the Wends was morally justified by divine vengeance. The zeal which came from God functioned as an emotional fuel for knights. Their actions did not violate canon law because they were driven by sincere emotions. What was moral for the clergy was also considered legal for the laity, so the punishment of the Wends for their atrocities against Christians became human justice.
