11-14-2011, 01:16 AM
(11-14-2011, 01:15 AM)Resurrexi Wrote:(11-14-2011, 01:13 AM)aquinasg Wrote: You would be surprised how customs have changed throughout history, and how much they are different between us now. Actions have the meanings we culturally put on them. Why wouldn't he kiss a book if it only meant "thank you" to his Muslim king-friend? The act simply didn't mean "I approve of these contents", so keep that nonsense out of your head
Kissing a religious object was a sign of veneration in Gregory's time as it is now. Kissing the cross and the altar were prescribed by the liturgical books then as they are now.
This.