Reflection of God's Teachings in The Actions of Joan of Arc

“Ideally, the Church is at the forefront of social change, guiding society with the unique perspective of Jesus Christ.” During the Middle Age, most people believed in God, heaven and hell. They were taught that heaven could only be reached through the Church if the Church permitted it. Therefore, at that time, the Church, as a guide, encouraged all individuals and groups to look to the future with greater confidence and hope; to help the faithful with the teaching of the Church on social morality.

Joan of Arc was a young Saint and national hero of France, who lived at the end of the Middle Ages. When she was 18, she led the French army to victory over the British in Orleans. A year later she was arrested and burned at the stake as a heretic by the British and their French collaborators. Throughout her short, glorious life, Joan had been a role model, so God's teachings were reflected in her actions. Here are the reasons.

First, the Church teaches believers to be completely faithful to God, because for those who follow and believe in God will live in his kingdom forever, a. So Joan tried to walk with God and to encourage others to keep going in times of turmoil with faith. For example, she was a military leader who led the French army to conquer England during the Hundred Years War under God's guidance. She knew that, as a Catholic, she had to fight the doubters and use persecution to fulfill the ideals that God had given her, as, during that time, “the Church is at the most forefront of social change”. This belief toughened Joan up, and she kept on fighting even though she had been wounded twice. Her faith and brave news touched the French nation and rekindled people's faith. However, at the age of 19, after becoming an icon in France, she was executed for heresy and will be tried again after her death, freeing her from the crime. She was canonized by Pope Pius x in 1909, and her story has been told through books, television, movies and Churches.

Secondly, as the Church has told the followers that having sin in lives slows down the momentum. It can cloud people from hearing God and keeps people faith dull. Therefore, Joan kept her heart pure and remained humble. She encouraged others in France to pursue Godliness. She did not drunkenness, prostitution, and another sin when the army was not in battle. She lived for God. Her physical and emotional effects on its citizens and was one of the true saviours of the Kingdom of France. The impacts from her were huge as it influenced both French and world history, for example, she brought victories to the French Royal Army after the decades of English dominance. Additionally, she inspired the people of France to rally around her and newly anointed and crowned King Charles VII, and ultimately turning the tides of the Hundred Years War. This could prove that the Joan of Arc “guiding society with the unique perspective of Jesus Christ'', as Joan had changed the nation and the world history with the teaching from Jesus Christ.

Overall, throughout Joan’s whole life, her heroism and devotion were far more than her military and political conquests, therefore she was canonized a saint by Catholic Church after she died. She has influenced her country and religious history in a good way with the teaching from Jesus Christ. Her loyalty to France had shown her dedication. Her commitment to her faith shows her passion for Christ. And her bravery to accept death shows her selflessness. Not only is she an inspiration for myself, but Joan of Arc is also an inspiration for Christian women worldwide.