ROLE OF THE CHURCH Two swords of God Pope and King—his representatives on earth Church saw itself above Kings Kings always trying to assert his authority over church and vice versa – Many upper level religious posts were filled by aristocratic sons/daughters whose wealthy parents “bought” the post
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ROLE OF THE CHURCH Two swords of God Pope and King—his
representatives on earth Church saw itself above
Kings Kings always trying to
assert his authority over church and vice versa
– Many upper level religious posts were filled by aristocratic sons/daughters whose wealthy parents “bought” the post
Great Chain of Being Hierarchy of all things. Your place in the chain determines your distance from
God. Within each level, there are further breakdowns
– Kinglordsknightspeasants (freemenserfs)– Menwomenmale childrenfemale children – Horses above Dogs– Pure breeds above half breeds
Not entirely lineal—religious ranks paralleled secular ranks in many ways
Trying to change your place upsets the chain Idea: if everyone stays in his or her place, life will be
perfect
Christian Beliefs Believed the second coming of Christ was imminent people were focused on the afterlife.
– the world that man lived in now was unimportant in comparison to the world to come
Christian Beliefs Fear of Judgement day
– Focus on sins vs. virtue, but it was often more of a “guideline” than a rule.
– The belief was always that
Christ’s death on the cross
absolved people from sin, as long as they were repentant for those sins.