CHAPTER 12: THE EARLY MIDDLE AGESSECTION 3: THE CHURCH IN MEDIEVAL

TIMES

BearzRiotWorld History

Period 1

A. The Importance of the Church

Men and women in the Middle Ages took part in the Roman Catholic Church as members or as monks and nuns.

A. The Importance of the Church

Religion in Everyday Life The Village church was the center of village

life during the early Middle Ages The parish priest was the only one in the

village with an education. Everyone in the village was expected to go to

church on Sunday and on other holy days.

A. The Importance of the Church

Religious Communities Some men and women decided to practice

their religion by withdrawing from society and joining religious communities called monasteries and convents

Monks were religious men who joined the monasteries

The Abbot was the head of the monastery, monks took vows of poverty, purity, and obedience to the Abbot

A. The Importance of the Church

The Roles of Monasteries and Convents Monasteries and convents became a place for

learning. Some of the monasteries were known for the

beautiful books they produced. Other monks felt that they had to leave to

spread the religious message.

A. The Importance of the Church

Benedictine Rule A holy man named Benedict organized a

monastery in Southern Italy in the 530’s. The rules urged monks lead a simple

orderly life of prayer, study, and work. These rules were the Benedictine Rule

and they were followed by most monasteries.

A. The Importance of the Church

New Religious Orders Monks began to start their own religious

orders. Some religious organizations had nuns; the

nuns were there to take care of the sick and the poor

The Franciscan order was another important group; they also helped the sick and the poor.

B. Church, Religion, and Power

During the early Middle Ages, the authority of the Church could be seen in the power of the Pope and in lavish cathedrals, while Jewish people were free to worship their own religion.

B. Church, Religion, and Power

The Pope’s Reach Excommunication was the ultimate weapon

for the Pope, the expelling of a person or group of people from The Church.

The punishment for nonbelievers were dreadful because their soul’s would not go to heaven

People will also avoid an excommunicated person for fear of being punished in the same way.

B. Church, Religion, and Power

Cathedral Architecture The power of the church could be seen in

the grand medieval cathedrals. Cathedrals were designed to hold grand

processions and religious celebrations involving many people.

Churches and cathedrals had thick walls, many pillars, and were built with round arches and heavy roofs

B. Church, Religion, and Power

Jewish People and European Economics The Middle Ages was a time of attacks and

prejudice against Jewish people. Jews practiced their own religion and live

quietly and peacefully The Jews were very skilled at trading which

made many Jewish families wealthy.

Lavish Expending or bestowing profusely