The Medieval Church Chapter 7, Section 3

The church and it’s teachings The Roman Catholic Church emerged as the most powerful church in western Europe. Religion shaped everyday lives

Pope Gregory I Pope Gregory I sent St. Augustine to convert Anglo- Saxons in England

Roles of Priests The parish priests were often the only contact people had with the Church. Priests celebrated the mass and administered the sacraments. Christians believed that in participating with the sacraments that it would lead to salvation. Priests also led schools.

Church as the social center The church was seen as the social center as well as a place of worship as it was the largest public building in the village. Daily events in each person’s life took place in the church (sacraments!) Those who belonged to a church were asked to give a part of their income to the church.

Do now: How was the Catholic Church important to the Middle Ages?

The rise of Cathedrals Communities used new technology to build bigger churches. Cathedrals were considered a source of pride in the community. Members of the church contributed money, labor, and skills to help make the cathedral possible.

Women and the Church Church teaching taught that men and women were equal before God. Ideal woman= Mary Church protected women

Monks and Nuns Monk named Benedict organized monastic life. Benedictine Rule Three vows: Obedience, Poverty, Chastity Monks and nuns ran schools and hospitals Wanted to keep learning alive. Copied manuscripts Drained land Experimented with crops Provided basic health needs

Papal Supremacy The church had control on not only the church but on everyday life. Pope had authority over secular rulers Had own army Pope as the spiritual leader of the Western Christian Church. Pope had large amounts of land. High clergy (bishops and archbishops) were of the noble class

Church power Christians believed all people are sinners To avoid hell, people have to do good works, believe in Christ, and participate in the sacraments.

Religious Authority Body of laws: canon law. Wills Marriages Morals Anyone who disobeyed the church faced excommunication Noble who opposed the church0 face interdict- an order excluding an entire town from receiving sacraments

Corruption and Reform Monks and nuns ignored vows of poverty Priests could marry cared more about family than religious duties. Abbot Berno: Benedictine Rule 3 vows: obedience, poverty, and chastity

Friars Friars- a group of monks who did not live in secluded monasteries Traveled and preached to the poor. Franciscans- St. Francis of Assisi. Preached poverty, humility, and love of God

Jews in Medieval Europe Jewish communities existed all across Europe. Prejudice against Jews decreased Christians and Jews lived side by side. Many rulers in northern Europe taxed Jews heavily. Jews migrated to Eastern Europe