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 $$)