Christianity in the Middle Ages

christianity Without an emperor to follow, Jesus essentially became the leader of Europe. Monasteries popped up all over Europe spreading the word of God. This began to give people the sense of community needed for a strong nation. Charlemagne used this to help rebuild the European Empire.

The Church

The Role of the Church By the 4 th century, Christianity had become the main religion in Europe. By this time the church had developed a system of organization.

The Role of the Church Priests headed the local communities called parishes. Bishops headed a group of parishes called a diocese. (die-o- seas) A group of diocese were controlled by an archbishop.

The Role of the Church The bishop of Rome claimed leadership of the church. This claim was based on the belief that Jesus gave Peter the keys to heaven. Peter was (Chief apostle to Jesus) the first bishop of Rome. All bishops after him become known as pope, from the Latin word papa, or “father.”

The Role of the Church The Pope leads the Church with the authority of God (he is the leader).

The Role of the Church Pope Gregory I strengthened the power of the papacy(pope). He was pope from 590 to 604 AD. He took political control of Rome and its surrounding territories (papal states).

The Role of the Church He extended papal authority over the Church in the West. He actively converted non-Christians.

The Role of the Church The Church took care of people and g ave them hope despite their rough lives.

Church Responsibilities Churches provided: -H-Help for the poor. -E-Education. -E-Entertainment. -S-Salvation.

The Monks

Monks A man who separates himself from worldly, everyday life to dedicate himself entirely to God. –Monks are the lowest level of the church hierarchy. Typically their role was to help the poor. Monasticism is the practice of living the life of a monk.

The Monks Monks lived in monasteries headed by an Abbot (“father”) -monks were to obey him. -took a vow of poverty. -social workers of the community -monasteries became centers of learning.

Benedictines In the 6 th century, Saint Benedict founded an order of monks. They become known as the “Benedictines” Monks meditated and read privately. They prayed together seven times a day. All aspects of their life was communal.

Nuns Women, called nuns, were the f emale version of monks Nuns lived in convents headed by abbesses. Many of them belonged to royal houses and were born into wealth and privilege.

Cathedrals

Cathedral- a large church Usually built in the shape of a cross Two distinct styles

Romanesque Mostly built between 800–1100 –Rectangular shape –thick walls and pillars –Small windows –round arches –Generally dark inside

Gothic evolves around 1100 term from a Germanic tribe, Goths large, tall stained glass windows for more light pointed arches

Gothic style includes: –A support structure called a Flying Buttress –thinner walls –many sculptures

Gothic About 500 Gothic churches are built from 1170 to 1270

Gothic This style remains one of the greatest artistic triumphs of the middle ages.