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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
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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
Monasticism • Began 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/study • Monastery- Monks Abbey/Convent- Nuns • Benedictines – 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 penalty • Heretic (Heresy) someone (something) against laws of church • Interdict- church goes on strike
Economics and society • Largest single landowner in Europe • Had 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 $$)