One of the primary themes that emerges out of this work is heresy and the vehement debates that raged over Catholic Church doctrine in the medieval period. Though France, particularly Paris, is the setting, it becomes clear that some of the theological debates discussed were of interest to all of Christian Europe, particularly Rome. It also becomes clear that these debates were influenced by church politics both on the ground and at-large, and that powerful religious authorities competed over spheres of influence.

St. Bernard and Abelard seem to clash over theology over the course of their careers. Bernard is ultimately able to influence Pope Innocent II to condemn Abelard, because he was an ally who campaigned for him against his rival during an earlier papal schism. Peter the Venerable takes Abelard under his protection even when he is condemned and considered an infamous heretic, because Peter himself is at odds with Bernard and has some influence with the pope. As the leader of the Cluniac monks, he competes with Bernard, the champion of the Cistercian monks. It is likely that Peter put Abelard under his protection as the enemy of his enemy and as an attempt to bring

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