The Gospel According to the Marks of Silver is a satire of things taught in the church at the time it is written. It takes passage from the new New Testament and by tweaking the words around gives a description of what the author believes that the church is like. In the text, a poor pious man and a rich evil cleric come hoping to have their sins forgiven. Because the poor man is unable to bring an offering to the Pope to receive welcome in the eternal kingdom with the Lord, he is told to go away. Later after he sells all he has, he come back a second time to received into the Joy of the Lord but was again thrown out because he did bring enough payment. The evil rich cleric, though he does not beg like the poor man, pays off the doorkeeper, the chamberlain, the cardinals, and the pope himself, he is welcomed in. And the pope even warns his council that as much as he has taken, so they should take as well. In the Gospel According to the Marks of Silver, though a short document, their are 20 Scripture references. However, the author changes the context of the Scriptures to assert that this is exactly what the church does to extort money from its people. One of those Scriptures is Mark 8:33 where, in context Jesus is telling People to get behind him because he is trying to stop Jesus from dying on the cross. In the Gospel it is told to the poor man who cannot afford to give the church its gift. Another Scripture satirically used is Matthew 5:26, where in context Jesus is explaining to importance for Christians reconcile with one another before they get to court otherwise the judge may not be merciful to you. In the satire this is told to the poor man who is told “you shalt not enter into the joy of thy Lord, until thou has given the very last penny.” One final Scripture that is taken out of context in John 13:15, where after Jesus washes his disciples feet, he is tells them that he says set an example that they should follow and the things he has done for them, they should do for each other. In the Gospel According to Marks of Silver, the pope takes this Scripture out of context to say as much gold and gifts I have taken from the people, so you should take as well. The satire seems to assert that the church is just taking whatever Scriptures they want to abuse the power that they have over the people.

The Fourth Lateran Council weighs in on a number of concerns in the church. In ch. 62-66, some of these are people paying for relics, simony, and receiving payment for funeral services. The council forbids these practices as a way to control the wickedness that is corrupting the church. With so much corruption in the church, you can see why there was such discontentment with the church and the desire to get back to apostolic life. In my experience, when people are discontent, this is the time where people begin to question the things that they devote the most time to. The Cathars, Waldensians, and mendicants all desire to be Christians, but have been appalled by the corruption it sees in the church and comes to the conclusion that the church as a whole is entirely corrupt and they must restore apostolic life if they are to be able to live a life that pleases God.