Thomas Becket :: Biography Biographies Essays

Thomas Becket Thomas Becket during his life was a composition of both honor and dishonor. His decisions, principles, and character made definite aspects of his life honorable, and others dishonorable. However, it is also extremely important to realize who Becket was honoring. The three most relevant people he would honor during his life was himself, King Henry II, and God. many times during his life, Becket acted without honor. For instance, when King Henry separated the church and state by making his power superior to the churchs, Becket became his right-hand by becoming the Chancellor of England. spot Henrys moves were political and economic, Becket decision to join the king was based purely on allegiance and fidelity to the king. Becket did non consider the consequences of what a split would do nor did he question and challenge the sanctimonious motives of the king. Becket also showed a great dishonor to both God and the king when he wore both the Chancellor and Archbish op ring. He could not possibly honor both, since the Kings agenda did not coalesce with the will of God. Thus he had a false honor to both. Eventually, Becket made a choice to come the honor of God above the king. Becket was also a man of great honor. He showed reverence to his king by being loyal and keeping his intelligence activity when he had to give up the woman he loved to the king. At this moment, he also honored himself by showing integrity and principle all over emotional values. While chancellor, he dispensed faithfully by understanding his duty to the king and code of honor. The one thing that proved Becket to be a man of true honor was when he humbled himself before the cross and God and vowed his loyalty to the one and only true leader. After this point, Becket no longer acts to serve the kings honor, but Gods because he realizes it is more righteous and rewarding. Through this decision he chose how he would live for the remainder of his life. He accepted his obl igations as Archbishop of Canterbury and understood how he would inevitably be forced to oppose the king. He sacrificed his own life by defending the kingdom of God and boldly chose to pursue Gods will. This occurs when he repudiates the kings target to renege on his excommunication decision.