The Power of the Church

How is the Medieval Roman Catholic Church like Government? What weapons did the church have that it could use against enemies? How are the weapons the church uses different from those used in battle Which weapons would be more frightening to a medieval person & why?

Church Teachings Salvation is dependant upon: –B–Belief in God / Jesus –R–Receiving the sacraments Communion Baptism Penance Confirmation Matrimony Last rites (blessing of the sick) Holy orders (the making of priests) Heresy – Denial of Church teachings – punishable by death

Church Power Popes have appointed Kings Church has its own courts (can’t be tried in a secular court) Papal Infallibility – teaching that it is impossible for the pope to be wrong since he is the representative of God Excommunication – power to cast someone out of the church  no sacraments  no salvation Interdict – Power to deny the sacraments to everyone living in the territory of a lord or king

Benefits to Society Church encourages charity with tithes Monasteries educate and promote learning Community service Hospitals Unified Europe and often negotiated peace

Corruption / Problems Church is wealthy  many are attracted to jobs in the church Simony – Selling of Church Offices to wealthy and powerful Priests Marry – try to leave church wealth / lands to sons  ban on married clergy Lay investiture

Lay Investiture practice of lay people (nobles / kings) appointing friends and relatives to position of bishop in their territory Why? Church can receive fiefs as part of the kings tithe Church property does not go back to the king on the death of the bishop – stays in the church Kings want to regain control over that land so try to appoint friends and family to the office of Bishop on church lands

The Inquisition