Anselm of Canterbury vs Song Jing

Anselm was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by King William II Rufus. This appointment initiated a long conflict with the English monarchy over church independence and the investiture of bishops.

Anselm went into voluntary exile after King William II refused to recognize Pope Urban II's authority and demanded Anselm's submission. Anselm remained in Italy until William's death in 1100.

Anselm completed his theological work 'Cur Deus Homo' (Why God Became Man) during his exile. This treatise developed the satisfaction theory of atonement, arguing that Christ's death was necessary to satisfy God's justice.

Anselm went into exile again after King Henry I refused to give up the right to invest bishops. Anselm returned only after a compromise was reached in 1107, separating spiritual and temporal investiture.

Anselm and King Henry I reached a compromise at the Concordat of London. The king gave up the right to invest bishops with ring and staff, but retained the right to receive homage before consecration.

Song Jing was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Xuanzong, serving alongside Yao Chong. He was known for his strict adherence to law and integrity, continuing the reforms of the early Kaiyuan era.

Song Jing overhauled the civil service examination system to reduce nepotism and favoritism. He emphasized merit-based selection and required candidates to be evaluated by multiple officials, improving the quality of Tang bureaucracy.

Song Jing retired from the chancellorship after a dispute with Emperor Xuanzong over the punishment of corrupt officials. He refused to compromise his principles, setting a standard for integrity in Tang governance.

Song Jing publicly opposed the appointment of Li Linfu as a high official, warning that Li's cunning nature would harm the state. His advice was ignored, and Li Linfu later became a chancellor whose misrule contributed to the An Lushan Rebellion.