Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Life In Medieval Europe-The Growing Influence of The Church

Increasing Role of the Church in Medieval Society Essential Question: What was the role of the Catholic Church in Medieval Civilization? Quick Write Please respond to the following prompt: In your opinion, does modern society [in general] accept the authority of a single leader or institution to be the supreme authority in all aspects of life? Why or why not?

Reform of the Papacy In the Middle Ages, an individual chosen for a church office was given a ring and a staff to symbolize his authority. By the 11 th century, it was common for secular rulers to choose church leaders and give them the symbols of authority (lay investiture) Pope Gregory VII (elected 1073) began reforms to free the Church from the interference of secular leaders (kings, lords, nobles) in Church administration Issued decree forbidding kings from appointing high- ranking church officials.

Concordat of Worms Gregory VII’s reforms irritated Henry IV, king of Germany (Holy Roman Emperor) German kings traditionally appointed bishops as their vassals so they could use them as administrators Without this power, Henry risked losing power to nobles. Fight between pope and king- pope excommunicated king, king asks forgiveness, then kidnaps the pope when German nobles chose new king. In 1122, new king and new pope reached agreement Bishops (Germany) would be elected by Church officials, given symbols of earthly office by king and the symbols of spiritual office by the pope

Church as Supreme Popes after Gregory VII continued to attempt to strengthen papal power and political authority Many used the interdict against rulers/nations which opposed their authority The interdict is a command from the pope that forbids priests from giving the sacraments (Christian rites) of the Church to a particular group of people

Law and Justice Administered by the Church Depended on your station in life and where you lived Law was very harsh-Trial By Ordeal Torture commonly used Trial by Ordeal could “prove:” Innocence or guilt depending on the outcome Brought the judgment of God into the courts (well, maybe)

Trial by Ordeal Read the passage “Trial by Ordeal” that explains how justice in the Middle Ages worked Power of Backwards Thinking Response- On the back of your paper Come up with a modern scenario that might by solved using Trial By Ordeal Come up with a school appropriate Trial by Ordeal Explain how the trial and its outcome determines guilt or innocence Illustrate.

Example Alex Rodriguez is accused of using PEDs, a charge he hotly denies. To determine whether he is innocent or guilty, MLB proposes a “Trial by Ordeal” Rodriguez must: Complete 500 pushups and situps Run 5 miles Swim 3 miles Bike 10 miles Must be completed in a certain amount of time (4 hours) If he cannot do this, he must be guilty (right?)

Scenario You are the ruler of a small European kingdom in the 1200s. You have the misfortune of having aroused the wrath of the pope because you refuse to follow all of the Church’s commands. The pope has threatened to issue an interdiction against your kingdom unless you yield to the demands of the Church. Do you stick to your guns (or swords in this case) or do you bow to the pressure of the Church? Why?

Franciscans and Dominicans Franciscans Religious order founded by St. Francis of Assisi Experiences in war led him to abandon worldly goods and live a humble life Lived in the world, did missionary work Dominicans Founded by Dominic de Guzmán Concerned with defending Church against heresy

The Inquisiton Heresy—the denial of basic Church doctrines Inquisition—Court established by the Church to find and deal with heretics If accused of heresy, you could Confess-must perform public penance and was subjected to punishment, such as flogging Beginning in 1252, those who did not confess voluntarily were tortured until they did confess If you did not confess and were still considered guilty, you would be executed If you confessed, did your penance, and then reverted to heresy again—you would also be executed