Saint Dominic (1170-1221) founded the other great mendicant order Dominic was a canon of the cathedral at Osma. While on a visit to southern France, he was impressed by forceful efforts to convert the Albigenses (Cathari), a heretical group discussed below He became convinced that there was a better way to convert the Albigenses than to use force. He felt that heretical doctrines appealed to people because of the disgust many felt at the pomp and worldliness of the church. Dominic began a mission of preaching and teaching the orthodox faith. He combined this teaching with a rigorous, disciplined life and hard study designed to sharpen the mind for arguing against the heterodox (the unorthodox).
Dominic and his followers received approval for the Order of Preachers from Innocent Ill in 1215. They also adopted Franciscan poverty and mendicancy but set these aside as they were secondary to the mission of teaching and preaching. Dominic possessed a world vision. Missionaries were sent to a variety of countries where schools for training converts and preachers were established The Dominicans soon became the main force in Innocent's Inquisition, which intended to stamp out heresy
CHRISTIANITY IN THE MIDDLE AGES
The Dominicans found a home in the universities Their order produced some great scholars, including Robert Bacon (ca. 1214-1292), Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and Meister Eckhart (ca. 1260-1327). The early Franciscans avoided education, preferring the simple spiritual life. Eventually they also became enthusiastic about learning. A number of the best-known theologians of the Middle Ages were drawn from their ranks: Alexander of Hales (ca. 1186-1245), Bonaventure, Duns Scotus (ca. 1260-1308), and William of Occam (ca. 1285-1347).