“Christian doctrine and teaching were the most important reasons for hostility to Muslims in medieval Europe.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Christian doctrine and teaching were the most important reasons for hostility to Muslims in medieval Europe. Candidates may agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement, but they must discuss this key issue. In fomenting hostility to Muslims, Christian teaching held that Muhammad was a false prophet and a heathen. Christian teaching also argued for the need to defend the Christian churches in the East and restore the Holy Sepulchre. However, there may also be some consideration of other factors, such as the Crusades stimulating hostility, as well as stories of Muslim atrocities told by key churchmen such as Bernard of Clairvaux to generate support for the Crusades. Some may argue that hostility was caused by the self-interest of monarchs (such as Alfonso X), who utilized the spirit of the Reconquista to increase their authority and end the coexistence of the two faiths.