The Foundations of the Medieval Church

Jesus Used parables to teach Christians believed in his miracles Apostles spread Christianity Peter brought Christianity to Rome Bible Gospels (story of Jesus’s life) written 100 years after his death Old Testament + New Testament = Christian Bible Priests St. Paul and the apostles were considered “priests” Over time, only specially trained men could administer the sacraments

The Sacraments Baptism- admittance into the church (Saved from damnation) Confirmation- When adults become full church members and the Holy Spirit is conferred. Eucharist- Central part of the mass and a reenacting of the last supper. Marriage- Formal union of a man and a woman Ordination- Becoming a priest Last rites- Final blessing for the sick and dying

What do you see in this picture? Who might these people be? What are they feeling? What is happening to them?

Salvation Christians believe that Adam and Eve rebelled against God and were sent out of the Garden of Eden. This was the original sin and all humans since have been cursed by their rebellion. The ultimate goal of a Christian was salvation and forgiveness of original sin to be able to go to heaven. Salvation in Medieval Europe was gained through: –Following the beliefs of the church –Good works –Living a moral life If a person does not earn salvation, damnation awaits them.

What do you see in this picture? What types of animals are shown? Where do you see humans? What is happening to them? Who is holding the key? What does this figure represent? What does the painting represent?

Damnation The result of living a life of sin (turning away from God and the church) Souls were sent to hell Hell was ruled by Lucifer who was a fallen angel who was cast out of heaven for questioning God and showing false pride Medieval view of hell: souls burned continuously by fire and demons gnawed on their bodies for eternity

Monasticism- life led by monks and nuns Wanted to serve God and fellow Christians Nun and monks wanted to avoid War Sickness Sin Corruption St. Benedict renounced wealth, founded Italian monastery in 529 Wrote “The Rule” a set of rules for monks Duties: work, study, prayer Vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience Self-sufficient tasks: farming, cooking, sewing, building Charitable tasks: hospitals, refuge for homeless, food for poor, lodging for travelers, and sacraments Led by an Abbot who was elected by the monks Dormitory= where monks slept Refectory= where monks ate Library and scriptorium= where monks wrote and copied texts