Abraham’s Visit to Rome

This flow follows a Jewish merchant’s inspection of the Roman clergy and his surprising decision to become Christian.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Jehannot’s Appeal

Jehannot’s Appeal A friendship and a concern Jehannot de Chevigné values Abraham as an honest merchant and fears for his soul because Abraham is Jewish. Conversion resisted Repeated arguments do not persuade Abraham. He agrees to investigate Christianity by inspecting its central religious authorities in Rome.

Journey to Rome

Journey to Rome A test by observation Abraham travels to Rome despite Jehannot’s fears that the clergy’s behavior will discredit the faith. Deliberate inquiry He studies the Pope, cardinals, and other churchmen without revealing the reason for his visit. His decision rests on what he sees, not on a prepared argument.

Corruption at Court

Corruption at Court A disillusioning spectacle Abraham sees churchmen engaged in lust, greed, gluttony, and the buying and selling of religious offices and benefits. The apparent paradox Their conduct seems likely to destroy Christianity. Yet Abraham notices that the religion continues to flourish despite its ministers’ failings.

Return to Paris

Return to Paris Jehannot expects failure Jehannot assumes that Abraham will reject Christianity after witnessing the corruption at Rome. He asks what the traveler learned. An unexpected judgment Abraham agrees that the clergy are vicious but draws a different conclusion from their failure to suppress the faith.

Conversion Chosen

Conversion Chosen A surprising inference Abraham reasons that Christianity must rest on divine support if it continues to grow despite the behavior of its leaders. A new life He asks to be baptized, and Jehannot becomes his sponsor. Abraham takes the name Giovanni and studies Christian teaching.

In Paris, before Abraham’s journey

After Abraham resolves to investigate

During Abraham’s stay in Rome

After Abraham completes his Roman inspection

Soon after Abraham’s return