1. The Medieval Church Structure of the Church
Power based on status
Church Hierarchy:
Pope
Archbishops
Bishops
Priest
Monasteries, Convents & Manuscripts
Monks (monasteries)
Nuns (convents)
Devoted life to serving God and helping others
Benedict’s Rule: Vow of chastity, obedience, silence and poverty
Opened schools, maintained libraries, copied books
Clergy
Clergy
The Medieval Church
Religion as a Unifying Force/Sacraments
Feudalism and Manor System created societal division, but church unified them
Source of stability
Same pathway to salvation
7 Sacraments:
Baptism
Eucharist
Penance
Confirmation
Matrimony
Holy Orders
Anointing of sick
Saved Roman Learning!
Problems in the Church
Some priests illiterate
Questionable morality of some church leaders
Not following canon law (priests marrying)
Simony – bishops sold positions in church
Lay investiture – kings appointed
bishops
Power of the Church!
Law of the Church
Canon law = Church law
Everyone was subject to these laws
Governed things such as marriage and religious practices
Punishments for Heresy (denial of basic church teachings) Excommunication (banishment)
Interdict (no sacraments)
Sacraments (needed for salvation!)
Power Struggle with Popes!