the medieval church
DESCRIPTION
The Medieval Church. Learning Target: The hierarchy of the Church mirrored the hierarchy of the feudal pyramid. A Great Power. Catholic church was “common denominator” Had political and spiritual power Rich, educated- equal to nobles (or better) Greatest art/architecture - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Medieval Church
Learning Target:
The hierarchy of the Church mirrored the hierarchy of the
feudal pyramid.
A Great Power
Catholic church was “common denominator”
Had political and spiritual
power
Rich, educated- equal
to nobles (or better)
Greatest art/architecture
of middle ages was
done for the church- shows power
Hierarchy
Had own feudal system (rewards/obligations)
Paid for your place in clergy- b/c church would care for you the rest of your life (Simony- buy a good place)
To be in clergy you had to 1. be literate
2. speak Latin (language of the church)
Pope
Cardinal Cardinal
Archbishops Archbishops
Bishops Bishops Bishops
Priests Priests Priests Priests
Minor orders – Acolyte, Lectors, Exorcists and Porters
MonasticismBegan around 100 ad- leave the “world” and devote yourself to God.Took off during time of Charlemagne- became places of learning. (major job was to copy books)Communal society- no possession- removed from temptations- focus of prayer/fasting/studyMonastery- MonksAbbey/Convent-
NunsBenedictines – Franciscans two biggest orders
The church and medieval lifePolitics
Advisors to kings and nobles- “ran” government (records etc…) Often had judicial power as well. (based on “god’s will”)Own laws Cannon Law- could execute or Excommunicate as penaltyHeretic (Heresy) someone (something) against laws of churchInterdict- church goes on strike
Economics and society
Largest single landowner in EuropeHad a fair chunk of land to start, kings/nobles would give land to church to pay for their sins. Sometimes land with no heir went to church.
Tithe- tax paid to the church 1/10 of income, or labor (big $$)