1. The Catholic Church in the Middle Ages

2. The church was the most powerful organization in medieval Europe. The church claimed to have power over all religious and secular (non- religious) parts of life.

3. I. Reasons for the Church’s Power A. Role of Faith 1. The church represented God. 2. Religion was part of daily life. It was social and united people. 3. The church held the power to send you to Heaven or Hell.

4. 4. If you didn’t obey Canon Law you could be excommunicated. could be excommunicated. Canon Law- church law; the church had its own courts

5. Excommunication- exclusion (being kicked out) of the church. - Cannot receive sacraments (means you go to hell) - Cannot receive a Christian burial - Shunned (rejected) by other Christians

6. http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=7c9 _1245536200#KlFD0L4LyejVtFJT.9 9 Excommunication ceremony

7. Interdict- excommunication of an entire town, region or kingdom. This resulted when a noble or king violated canon law.

8. II. Wealth A. Nobles often left land to the church when they died. B. Church wealth increased through tithes (church “tax” or donation; 10%)

10. III. Learning A. Rulers relied on Clergy (religious officials) (religious officials) to keep records (in to keep records (in Latin). Latin). B. The church preserved learning. preserved learning.

11. Pope (1 head) Bishops (2946 diocese, cathedrals) Priests (219,583 parishes) Catholics (1 Billion members) IV. Church Hierarchy

12. ROLE OF THE CHURCH Two swords of God Pope and King—his representatives on earth Church saw itself above Kings Kings always trying to assert his authority over church and vice versa –Many upper level religious posts were filled by aristocratic sons/daughters whose wealthy parents “bought” the post

13. Great Chain of Being Hierarchy of all things. Your place in the chain determines your distance from God. Within each level, there are further breakdowns –King  lords  knights  peasants (freemen  serfs) –Men  women  male children  female children –Horses above Dogs –Pure breeds above half breeds

14. Not entirely linear….. Religious ranks paralleled secular ranks in many ways. Trying to change your place upsets the chain Idea: if everyone stays in his or her place, life will be perfect

15. Christian Beliefs fear of punishment kept people close to the church confession

16. V. Corruption A. As the church’s wealth and power grew, so did corruption. B. The clergy lived in luxury and ignored their vows. C. This led to reform but would later split in the Church.

17. Points to Remember 1. Feudalism and the manor system separated and isolated people from each other 2. Shared beliefs in church teachings kept people united during difficult times. 3. The ultimate goal was to achieve salvation (a life in heaven). 4. The church had power because they administered/ controlled the sacraments.

18. What made the Church so Powerful that it could challenge kings? Medieval Realms - The Power of the Church http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFOq5Xqi AZE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFOq5Xqi AZE

19. 19 The 7 Roman Catholic Sacraments The Ideal Comprehensive Life Course 1. Baptism 2. Confirmation 3. Penance 4. Eucharist 5. Holy Orders 6. Marriage 7. Extreme Unction Sacraments stood for spiritual realities and worked toward the salvation of those who participated in them.

20. 20 Sacraments in Christendom Institutional church was the sole mediator of the sacraments, and thus the sole mediator of God’s grace for salvation Effect: the church was foundational to all of life

21. Summary of the Influence of the Medieval Church  Salvation of sinners is paramount  All spheres of life must bow to the church  Political leaders must cooperate with church  Education must be compatible with church  Economic structures must support the church  Social order ideals must imitate church patterns

22. 22 Christendom: A Shattered Ideal Political rulers not keen on a subordinate position to the church; many revolted

23. Christendom: A Shattered Ideal Institutional arms of the church (monasteries, dioceses) proved difficult to regulate Many dignitaries rewarded with high ecclesiastical positions proved immoral or incompetent

24. Christendom: A Shattered Ideal History marching on –The Renaissance –Protestant Reformation –Rise of modern nation-state –Development of Western atheism –Global Christianity outside the West

25. 25 Powerful Legacy of Christendom Ideal of the comprehensive presence of divine grace in all of life Ideal of a harmonious cooperation between rulers of church and state Ideal of the coming of the Kingdom of God from heaven to earth