The Spread and Influence of the Catholic Church

The Spread and Influence of the Catholic Church in Europe During the Middle Ages.

The Church’s Power Grows o. As Europe experienced a lack of a strong, central government (because of the fall of the Western Roman Empire), the feudal system provided some political stability. o. The Catholic Church also provided stability during the Middle Ages. o. The Church appealed to people of all social classes.

The Church Helped Unify Europe o. The Church was a stable force that helped unify Europe o. The Church provided a sense of security and a community o. Religion played a central role in Europe and the lives of most Europeans o. Christians believed that God would reward them with salvation (heaven) o. Christians believed that they needed to participate in the sacraments to achieve salvation o. The Church also brought communities together o. People worshipped together, especially on

Church Influence in Medieval Society o. The Church provided a unifying set of spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, rituals. o. Secular (like emperors) authority declined, while church authority grew. o. Parish priests served religious and social needs of the people. o. Monasteries preserved Greco-Roman cultural achievements. o. Missionaries carried Christianity and Latin alphabet to Germanic tribes o. Pope crowned Charlemagne emperor

The Church’s Role in Preservation of Learning Church officials: • were among the few who could read and write. • translated Greek and Arabic works into Latin • made new knowledge in philosophy, medicine, and science available in Europe. • laid the foundation for the rise of universities in Europe

The Crusades http: //www. history. com/topics/crusades/videos/roots-of-the-crusades • What were the Crusades? • What were Crusaders promised for fighting? • Key events of the Crusades: § Pope Urban’s Speech § The capture of Jerusalem § Loss of Jerusalem to Saladin (http: //www. history. com/topics/crusades/videos/saladin)

The Effects of the Crusades §Weakened the Pope and nobles: strengthened the kings §Stimulated trade throughout the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Europeans were introduced to many desirable Middle Eastern products. §Left a legacy of bitterness among Christians, Jews, and Muslims

The Crusades http: //www. history. com/topics/crusades/videos/thecrusades? m=528 e 394 da 93 ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false In what ways did the Crusades lead to the end of the Dark Ages?