The Role of the Church in Medieval Europe
Importance of “The Church” Center of religious and social life during the Middle Ages. Was the only real center of learning and knowledge for all of Europe for 1000 yrs. Provided leadership in an unstable time, united people in their faith. The church was as important, if not more important, than many kings/queens.
Clergy – the people who perform sacred functions of a church (ex: priest) Hierarchy of the Church: Pope-Leader of the Church Cardinals –help Pope run everything Bishops- Oversee districts of churches Priests-Run individual churches. Monks/Nuns- lived their faith in isolation.
Archbishop / Cardinal In charge of many areas (cities/towns) Bishop/Diocese In each big town / small city Priest/Parish In each town / village Pope In charge of whole Church Christian Church moves headquarters to Rome Church becomes very organized – hierarchical system Known as the Catholic Church-Pope is still extremely powerful today
Religion as a Unifying Force ○ Helped mend the divisions in society with Church teachings bonded them together ○ Provided people with a sense of security and of belonging to a religious community, common belief, goal, and rules. ○ All were subject to canon law, or Church Law, even Kings! Outlined what good Christians did and didn’t do. But not too specific… ○ marriage became important for kings and the Church because it was both religious and political unity for areas of Europe.
Power of the church Owned 1/3 of all land in Europe – largest landholder in all of Europe. Collected a tithe – 1/10 of all income from all Christians. This made the Church became very wealthy. Used for everything from helping the poor to raising Papal armies. Generally, the clergy were the only people who could read; often kept records for kings. Keepers or information =power! Popes had land, $$$, power, and armies. He was like another king of Europe, but with LOTS of pull. Power struggles were common between Pope and Kings.
Power of the Church: salvation The church taught that Christans needed to receive 7 sacraments needed to get into Heaven. Only the Church gave these blessings, so they were the ONLY way to get to Heaven! 1. Baptism – Shows your dedication to being Christian, safety of child to God 2. Confirmation – formal declaration of belief in God and the Church 3. Eucharist – like the Lord’s Supper (bread and wine), now is Mass. 4. Marriage- Linked in wedlock in the eyes of God 5. Holy Orders – When a man becomes a priest 6.Penance – confession of sins to priest and being forgiven for them 7. Last Rights – blessing when sick or dying Since only the Church could give these things, you HAD TO be friends with the Church or you did not get into Heaven! LOTS OF POWER!
The Church gets into Politics The Church got involved in both spiritual and political matters Crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor They believed that God had created two swords: One sword was religious ----> held by pope One sword was political ----> held by the emperor Pope bows to emperor in political matters Emperor bows to pope in spiritual matters If each kept authority in own realm, believed that the two could live in harmony… What are the odds of that working out?