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Medieval Church Terms

The document outlines the role and influence of the Church during the Medieval Era, highlighting its power through alliances, land ownership, and excommunication. It discusses the cultural context following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the structure of feudalism, and the contributions of priests and monks. Additionally, it addresses the architectural advancements of the time and the need for reform within the Church due to corruption and secular entanglements.

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25 views3 pages

Medieval Church Terms

The document outlines the role and influence of the Church during the Medieval Era, highlighting its power through alliances, land ownership, and excommunication. It discusses the cultural context following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the structure of feudalism, and the contributions of priests and monks. Additionally, it addresses the architectural advancements of the time and the need for reform within the Church due to corruption and secular entanglements.

Uploaded by

hozza.johan.27
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Church History Unit 2: Medieval Church - Terms Defined

Role of Church in Medieval Era


 How was the Church viewed in this era?

The Church was seen as the most powerful and unifying institution in medieval Europe. It
had spiritual, political, and economic influence over people's lives.

 Three ways the Church gained power

1. Alliances with monarchs and nobility.


2. Ownership of vast lands and wealth through tithes.
3. Ability to excommunicate or interdict rulers.

 Spain as an exception

Spain was experiencing the Reconquista, a period of conflict and religious tension between
Christians and Muslims. Unlike the rest of Catholic Europe, Spain had a large Muslim
population and active Christian military campaigns.

Medieval Culture
 What event came before the Medieval Era?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire.

 What did a new civilization form from?

A blend of Greco-Roman heritage, Christian beliefs, and Germanic tribal customs.

 Dark Ages

The early medieval period, marked by decline in learning, trade, and centralized
government.

Feudalism
 Roles of Feudalism

Kings granted land to lords, who protected and governed serfs in exchange for labor and
service.

 Culture it created

A rigid class structure, loyalty-based relationships, and localized rule.

 System’s downfalls

Lack of mobility, limited central power, and vulnerability to conflict and invasion.
Role of Priests
 Responsibilities

Administered sacraments, led mass, cared for the poor, and educated the local population.

 Importance to historians

Priests were often record-keepers and preserved historical and religious documents.

Gothic Architecture
 Pointed Arch

Allowed taller, stronger buildings.

 Stained Glass

Illustrated Biblical stories, taught the illiterate.

 Rose Windows

Large circular windows symbolizing eternity and divine beauty.

 Gargoyles

Water spouts and symbolic protection from evil.

 Flying Buttresses

External supports that allowed thinner walls and higher ceilings.

 Importance

They represented heaven on earth and inspired awe.

 Effect on churchgoers

Encouraged spiritual reflection and devotion.

Rule of St. Benedict / Benedictine Rule


 Three vows religious take

Poverty, chastity, and obedience.

 Guidelines for monastic life

Balanced routine of work, prayer, and meditation.

 Model for monasteries

Became the standard for Western monasticism.


 Crucial to religious life

Community (living in religious community).

Monasticism
 Contributions of monks

Illuminated manuscripts, preserved classical texts, built schools and hospitals.

 Monks/Nuns roles and attire

Lived in celibacy, prayed regularly, did manual labor; wore robes, often brown or black with
hoods.

Reform
 Corruption in the Church

Simony (selling church offices), lay investiture (secular appointment of clergy), and moral
failings.

 Root problem

Church leaders' entanglement with secular power and wealth.

 Addressing issues (example)

Cluniac Reforms—renewed focus on monastic purity and independence from secular lords.

 Reformers' goals

Purify the Church, restore spiritual authority, and return to original religious values.

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