Thomas Becket :: Biography Biographies Essays

Thomas Becket   Thomas Becket during his life was a humans of both purity and dis laurels.  His conclusions, principles, and character made certain aspects of his life honorable, and others dishonorable.  However, it is also extremely grand 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 superordinate to the churchs, Becket became his right-hand by becoming the Chancellor of England.  While Henrys moves were political and economic, Becket decision to join the king was based purely on allegiance and faithfulness to the king.  Becket did not consider the consequences of what a split would do nor did he movement and challenge the sanctimonious motives of the king.  Becket also showed a great dishonor t o both God and the king when he wore both the Chancellor and Archbishop ring.  He could not possibly honor both, since the Kings agenda did not coalesce with the will of God.  so he had a false honor to both.  Eventually, Becket made a plectrum to serve the honor of God above the king.       Becket was also a man of great honor.  He showed reverence to his king by being allegiant and keeping his word when he had to give up the woman he loved to the king.  At this moment, he also honored himself by display integrity and principle over emotional values.  While chancellor, he served faithfully by understanding his duty to the king and code of honor.  The one social function 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 scarcely true leader.  After this point, Becket no longer acts to serve the kings honor, but Gods because he realizes it is mo re righteous and rewarding.  Through this decision he chose how he would make out for the remainder of his life.  He accepted his obligations as Archbishop of Canterbury and understood how he would needs 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 identify to renege on his excommunication decision.