1. The Role of the Church in Medieval Europe

2. The Christian Church Takes Shape
Around 30 C.E.: Jesus teaches to small group of followers
Romans persecute Christians
313 C.E.: Constantine legalizes Christianity
395 C.E.: Christianity becomes recognized religion of the Roman Empire
In the late 8th and early 9th centuries, Charlemagne helps unify the church.

3. The Increasing Power of the Church
By 1050 C.E.:
the Catholic Church taxes everybody (tithe) 10%
is largest landowner in Europe
has great political power because only clergy could read

4. The Increasing Power of the Church (cont.)
: Pope Gregory VII undertook several reforms
forbidding priests to marry
outlawing the selling of church offices
banned the practice of kings appointing priests, bishops, and the heads of monasteries
excommunicated the Holy Roman Emperor: Henry IV because Henry objected to the reforms

5. Sacraments and Salvation
Catholic Church states that to achieve salvation one needs to follow the church’s teachings and live a moral life

6. Seven Sacraments Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Matrimony
Holy Orders
Penance
Anointing of the Sick

7. Pilgrimages and Crusades
Christians went on pilgrimages to visit holy sites and visit relics
In England many visited the shrine of Thomas Becket
Pilgrimages were made to Rome and Jerusalem
Crusades were holy wars to free the Holy Land from infidels
                              

8. Art and Architecture
During the Middle Ages most art was made for religious purposes
As people couldn’t read, art helped tell the story of Jesus
Cathedrals: were the tallest buildings in town; were named for the chair the bishop sat on; were usually built in the shape of a cross; took 50 –100 years to build.

12. Education
Most schooling took place in monasteries, convents, and cathedrals
In the 1200s, universities develop and teach many subjects including: rhetoric and theology
Thomas Aquinas tried to bridge gap between faith and reason; created concept of natural law
                              

13. Holidays Holiday comes from “holy day”
Two of the greatest holidays were Christmas and Easter

14. Monks, Nuns, and Mendicants
Monks live secluded religious lives.
Monasticism
Convents
Illuminated manuscripts were created by monks by hand and kept knowledge of the past alive
Friars traveled among the people

15. Monks, Nuns, and Mendicants (cont.)

17. The Organization of the Catholic Church
Clergy
Pope
Cardinals
Archbishops
Bishops
Priests