A CHANGING CHURCH CHRISTIANITY FROM THE DARK TO MIDDLE AGES

THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE After the fall of Rome, the Catholic Church centered in Rome held together society in Western Europe. In the 8 th/ 9 th Century, a King named Charlemagne brought all of Western Europe under his rule. He combined his own rule with that of the Church and named this new Empire the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire: a confederation of Kingdoms united under the banner of the Roman Catholic Church.

CHARLEMAGNE Realized that he could use the Church to unify his Empire (much like Constantine) and utilized the Church structure. He was the official political Emperor, but was united to the Pope’s Authority.

CHANGES FOR THE CHURCH Emperor Charlemagne strengthens the church in order to strengthen his empire. The Pope, although technically not the Emperor, was as powerful and if not more powerful than the Emperor himself. However, many bishops were elected by the Emperor Charlemagne. More and more, the clergy is a political position as well as religious.

E FFECTS ON E UROPE The Church, in league with the Empire, helps usher in a more unified Europe. Europe was previously a warrior culture where neighboring Kingdoms constantly fought for land and resources. The Truce of God: instituted by the Church, it made it illegal fight from Thursday-Monday. It couldn’t take place During lent or the Easter Season. Fighting was forbidden for half of the year! The Empire’s might and the Church’s power together brings people in line.

THE GREAT SCHISM Trouble on the Horizon Divisions between East and West Remember, the Roman Empire was split – Rome and Constantinople – The Great Schism As the two halves of the Empire grew more and more different from each other, the Church – which became engrained in those cultures – grew apart as well. The Patriarch of Constantinople (East) was at odds with the Bishop of Rome/Pope (West)

A CHURCH DIVIDED The Western Church – the Roman Catholic Church The Eastern Church – Eastern Orthodox

THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH As the Church came into the Middle Ages ( ), it coincided with a period of growth in Europe. Cities were becoming more populated. Cities increasingly made up of rich merchants and nobility. Cathedrals and religious centers were at the center of city life. Schools and University’s (religious) begin to spring up. Time of Theology – like Thomas Aquinas.

RELIGIOUS ORDERS Many different Religious Orders spring up to see to the ever growing needs of cities. Each order focused on something different to better serve the people of God. Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, Capuchins, Augustinians, and Jesuits : all spring up to help the people. Benedictines: stuck to themselves. Many monasteries became wealthy. Mendicant Orders : these were orders where you begged for your food. They were the lowest of the low, and people trusted and respected them.

IMPORTANT THEOLOGIES Atonement: The idea that Jesus atoned – or paid for our sins – by dying on the cross. Human beings owed a debt to God, through sin, and Jesus pays for that debt. Since Jesus is God, all powerful and everlasting, his sacrifice is everlasting too! It covers everyone! The Summa Theologica Written by St. Thomas Aquinas, it summarized and expanded upon the Theology of the Church. Still one of the most important works for the Church today.

THE MARKS OF THE CHURCH ONE The Church is a unified body – made one in Christ. The Pope leads as a sign and symbol of that unification. HOLY Because it is one with Jesus, and the treasury of grace through the Sacraments. CATHOLIC “Catholic” means universal, as in: 1) the gospel should be spread all over the world, 2) the church has everything you need to receive salvation. APOSTOLIC The Church goes back to the apostles through the bishops and the bishops lead with their authority. The Magisterium (bishops led by the Pope) are infallible. Infallibility: led by the Spirit, the teachings of the Magisterium are without error in matters of faith and morals.