„Deo militans clericus“. Rittertum und Krieg im Werk Philipps von Harvengt

The view of knighthood and war in the work of Philipp of Harvengt is ambivalent. Essentially to a spiritual interpretation is the biblical typology (especially Ehud, David, Joshua, Judas Maccabaeus). Philipp does not dissolve the medieval class structure of the three ordines, but emphasizes the pre-eminence of the clergy. Chivalry has to serve the Church, which is quite usual for authors of the Gregorian Reform. However, a difference between class and behaviour can be observed regarding to both knights and monks. Monastic behaviour is transferred to the secular ideal of the miles litteratus; by literary education in the school, a knight becomes a clericus. Chivalry and war cannot simply be used as models of reflection in canonical life and spiritual warfare, while some knightly virtues, founded in biblical imagery, are important for the spiritual warfare in the monastery, especially bravery and obedience. Literary education and holiness are principles which superseded the rigid medieval class structure.