Learning Target 7.39 The Catholic Church in the Middle Ages

Learning Target 7.39 I can explain the importance of the Catholic Church as a political, intellectual, and aesthetic institution, including the founding of universities, political and spiritual roles of the clergy, creation of monastic and mendicant orders, preservation of Latin language and religious texts, Thomas Aquinas’ synthesis of classical philosophy with Christian theology and the concept of “natural law.”

The Christian Church was central to life in the Middle Ages. 1. The Christian Church shaped society and politics in medieval Europe. 2. Orders of monks and friars did not like the church’s political nature. 3. Church leaders helped build the first universities in Europe. 4. The Church influenced the arts in medieval Europe.

The Church as a Political Institution The pope and other Catholic leaders had significant influence in medieval Europe. The Church directly controlled some land and wealth (some people left their land to the Church when they died). Some bishops and abbots got so involved in politics that they spent little time dealing with religious matters.

The Church as a Political Institution Some people did not like the political involvement of the Catholic Church. Monks and nuns decided to live away from many other people and devote their lives to religious studies and following strict rules. Friars were people who belonged to a religious group but lived and worked among the general public. They traveled around preaching and begging for food (mendicant orders). Their main goal was to teach people how to live good Christian lives.

The Church as an Intellectual Institution Students were trained for the priesthood at schools attached to the cathedrals. Gradually, schools were set up to provide further education and universities began. Most teachers in the universities were members of the clergy. Students studied religion, law, medicine, astronomy, and other subjects. All classes were taught in the Latin language.

The Church as an Intellectual Institution Sorbonne University, Paris Founded 1257

Thomas Aquinas Aquinas was a teacher at the University of Paris. He argued that rational thought could be used to support Christian beliefs.

The Church as an Aesthetic Institution The Church had a strong influence on art and architecture. Cathedrals were large churches that were built in the Gothic architectural style. Monks created illuminated manuscripts.

Cathedrals: Canterbury, England

Cathedrals: Notre Dame, Paris

Illuminated Manuscripts: The Book of Kells