Interactive Notebook Setup 11212017 Medieval Catholic Church Notes

Interactive Notebook Setup • 11/21/2017 • Medieval Catholic Church Notes • This will be one page

Rise of the Church Power Art and Architecture

Rise of the Church • The decline of Rome led the church to assume many political and social tasks – The Pope became the strongest political leader in W. Europe – The Pope claimed spiritual authority over all Christians – After the fall of Rome…the church takes on the central authority

Rise of the Church • The Church taught that salvation, or the saving of a person’s soul, would come to those who followed the Church’s teachings • Church taught all were sinners • Only way to receive grace was through sacraments

Rise of the Church • Daily presence in a person’s life from birth to death • Most people did not understand rituals – Priest spoke in Latin and most could not read or write • Much was learned from statues, paintings and stained glass windows that adorned most churches

Church Hierarchy • Just like the social structure of feudal Europe, the Catholic Church had a distinct hierarchy. All together, we call the church workers “the clergy. ” POPE Cardinals Bishops Priests Monks and Nuns

Church Power The Roman Catholic Church was the largest landowner in Western Europe. Nobles frequently left land to the Church to gain entry to Heaven through such good works.

Church Power • Many Bishops and Abbots were nobles who received land • Local lords began to control many church offices and lands- contrary to church tradition- appointing leaders – Signs of corruption

Church Power • The Church was often the wealthiest institution in all of Europe • People paid tithes or church taxes • A tithe was a percentage of a person’s total income that was paid to the Church

Church Power • The offer of salvation gave the church great power • Life was generally hard and not very pleasant so the promise of something better was a powerful for people

Church Power • The Church was often the only path to an education in the Medieval world • Usually the only people who could read or write were Church officials • People looked to the Church to explain things like natural disasters

Church Power • Monastic life provided women opportunity to pursue education, art, and hold positions of power • The church helped poor and sick • Many monasteries provided meals and clothing for those in need • Almost all hospitals in Europe were associated with the Church

Church Power • Church building was the center of communities • Marriage certificates, birth certificates, death certificates, etc. came from the Church

Art and Architecture • In larger towns there would be a cathedral: a large or important church. • Usually, a bishop is in charge of a cathedral • Religious services were held several times per day

Art and Architecture • Church was NUMBER ONE supporter of Art in W. Europe • Impressive churches and works of art served two major purposes: • A way to glorify god • A way to display the power of the Church