The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1

V. Berengarius-Battles Transubstantiation; Labels Rome “Seat of Satan”

Before the controversy between the two schools of scholasticism began to flare up there were always men who would not accept certain doctrines propagated by the church which were mainly based on the miraculous. Instead, they defended the position that reason should have its rightful place in the development of religious thought. PFF1 648.3

One such was BERENGARIUS (Berengar) or Berenger of Tours (c. 998-1088), canon of the cathedral at Tours, and later head of its school. Afterward he became archdeacon of Angers, France. He had publicly and resolutely maintained the merely spiritual character of the holy supper. Of deep learning, he came to the conclusion that the rather common teaching of transubstantiation was untrue-that the bread and wine were not changed and that Christ’s presence in the Eucharist was only spiritual, not material. ⁶¹ The dogma of transubstantiation was not yet formally pronounced by the Catholic Church, though it was tacitly regarded as the correct position. PFF1 648.4

The disclosure of his views to his pupils created a sensation which resulted in the extension of many warnings and entreaties to Berengarius, for his views began “corrupting” the French, the Italians, and the English. ⁶² His greatest controversy was with Lanfranc of Normandy, later archbishop of Canterbury from 1070 to 1089. The ebb and flow of the prolonged controversy lasted for thirty years, through eight pontificates, or until 1080, when Berengarius retired to live a solitary life until his death at the age of about ninety, in 1088. PFF1 649.1

1. SEE OF ROME DENOMINATED “SEAT OF SATAN.”

In this battle with the hierarchy, especially after the council at Rome in 1059, Berengarius denounced the contemporary pope and the Roman church in severest language. In fact, he went so far in this controversy as to call the Roman church “vanitatis concilium, et ecclesiam malignantium, ... non apostolicam sed sedem Satanae” (“council of vanity, and church of malignants, ... not the apostolic see, but the seat of Satan”). ⁶³ A writer in 1088, the death year of Berengarius, leaves an account of the various condemnations and recantations in which this brief but illuminating paragraph occurs: PFF1 649.2

“But Berengarius, according to his custom, did not fear to return to his own vomit, and beyond all heretics, he presumed to blaspheme Roman pontiffs, and the holy Roman church, by words and writings. Actually the holy pope Leo he called, not Pontifex, but ‘pompifex’ and ‘pulpifex’; and the holy Roman church, the council of vanity, and the church of malignants; and he did not fear to call, by speech and pen, the Roman see [seat], not Apostolic, but the seat of Satan.” ⁶⁴ PFF1 649.3

2. FORCED TO RECANT; REVERTS TO CONVICTIONS

The allusion to returning “to his own vomit” refers to his several recantings under papal council pressure, followed by his repudiation of these recantings. Though forced to capitulate, he reverted again and again to his convictions. The full force of this reference can best be perceived by listing and noting the nine councils, under four popes, before which he was cited, personally or in absentia, for admonition and disciplinary action. PFF1 650.1

(1) Rome (April, 1050), under Leo IX. Berengarius was not present; his letter to Lanfranc was read; Berengarius was deprived of church communion and condemned. PFF1 650.2

(2) Vercelli (September, 1050). Berengarius refused to attend; he was condemned a second time without a hearing; also a book of John Scotus on the Eucharist was condemned. PFF1 650.3

(3) Paris (1050). Former judgment against Berengarius was con firmed. Berengarius was threatened with death unless he retracted; he was deprived of the temporalities of his benefice. PFF1 650.4

(4) Tours (1054, formerly dated 1055). At this council Berengarius made his first retraction, which was soon abandoned. He escaped condemnation through the aid of Hildebrand, the papal legate, who was satisfied with the admission that the consecrated bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ. PFF1 650.5

(5) Rome (1059), under Nicholas II. There were 113 bishops present; Berengarius signed a profession of faith concerning the Eucharist, but soon reverted to his former position. PFF1 650.6

(6) Poitiers (1075 or 1076), under Gregory VII. Berengarius narrowly escaped with his life. PFF1 650.7

(7) Rome (1078). Berengarius made a confession of the faith. Gregory VII wanted to give him peace, but his cardinals demanded full recantation, or death. PFF1 650.8

(8) Rome (1079). There were 150 bishops present; Berengarius was compelled to subscribe to a formula, which he soon repudiated upon return to France. PFF1 650.9

(9) Bordeaux (1080). Once more before a council he made a final confession. ⁶⁵ PFF1 650.10

It was during this prolonged battle, be it noted, that Berengarius’ remarkable statements were made concerning Antichrist. He died in sorrow over his vacillation. ⁶⁶ PFF1 651.1