The Medieval Church

Medieval Church

Western Europe is a Christian civilization Economic and political power

• Dominates life Most powerful force in medieval Europe

Priests Only contact with Church Lead mass and give sacraments

• Must receive to be spiritually saved Explained the Bible Cared for sick and needy Ran schools

Medieval Church

ChurchSocial centerSymbol of village pridePilgrimages to see relicsCharged a tithe

CathedralsManaged by bishopsCompetitions

Medieval Church

Monasteries and ConventsBenedictine Rule

• obedience, poverty, chastity• Helped improve farming economy• Health and educational services

Libraries of Greek and Roman works• Kept learning alive

Women were given some respect

Medieval Church

Church power grows - most powerful secular force Popes

• Claim papal supremacy – pope has authority over all rulers

• Papal states • Religious authority and political power

Archbishops and bishops were nobles• Control territories and armies

Canon law – Church law Excommunication- no sacraments Interdict – town, region, kingdom

Medieval Church

Corruption and reformClergy live in luxury

• Priesthood inherited

Monks lead reform• Refused to let nobles interfere• Insisted the Church choose Church

officials

Prohibited the selling of Church offices

Medieval Church

Jews Spain is center of Jewish culture and

scholarship• Officials in Muslim courts• Rulers valued and protected communities but

taxed them heavily Late 1000s prejudice increases

• Church forbids Jews to own land and have certain jobs

• Used as Financial advisors and physicians Move to Eastern Europe