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Jumpstarter 7 of 10

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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Chapter 20: Jesus or Barabbas  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Quintus deflects from Cordacus’s sins by attacking Patrick’s character and spreading allegations: baptismal fees, greed, and “heresy… like Pelagius.” What does the chapter show about how slander functions to protect a community’s chosen “hero,” and what tests could a church use to avoid rewarding accusation without evidence?
Another way to ask: How does attacking Patrick with rumors help the community keep seeing Cordacus as a hero? What simple rules could a church use so it doesn’t believe or spread accusations without proof?

Direct Answer The chapter shows slander working as a smoke screen: instead of facing Cordacus’s bloodguilt, the clergy discredits Patrick so they can ignore his discipline without feeling guilty. A church avoids this by requiring clear proof, hearing defense, and refusing to treat rumors as settled truth.

Support from Transcript:

  • The clergy is “in a real dilemma” because people are “solidly behind Cordacus,” so attacking Patrick makes it easier to side with Cordacus.
  • Quintus reframes the issue: “Who does this upstart bishop think he is… He can’t excommunicate one of our kings!”
  • He then launches accusations: Patrick “charges fees to baptize or ordain,” rejected a chest of gold because “it wasn’t enough.”
  • Others pile on: “Patrick is also teaching heresy… like Pelagius,” with “all sorts of other heretical teachings,” but no specifics are actually demonstrated.
  • The accusations spread socially: “quickly spread through the townspeople… his name was being vilified.”
  • Patrick proposes an evidence test: “Produce even one person who has paid me… and I will gladly return his money.”
Discussion Follow-ups The transcript models at least one test: demand verifiable witnesses and allow the accused to answer, rather than letting fear and loyalty decide what is “true.”

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