Medieval Roman Catholic Church. I.The church becomes very strong during the Middle Ages + =

Medieval Roman Catholic Church

I. The church becomes very strong during the Middle Ages

+ =

1.Church gave people a sense of security, safety, order, and provided people with a common bond.

2. Middle Ages is also referred to as the “Age of Faith” because of the important role it played

II. The Church becomes a secular (non-religious/worldly) power:

1. Political Power—Pope gained political power by controlling king’s by using:

A. Excommunication – was frequently used by Church and popes to force kings to obey

B. Interdict – sacraments could not be performed in the King’s kingdom. This was used if excommunication didn’t work

a. Subjects believed without sacraments – NO SALVATION – therefore there was pressure for king to obey

Pope

2. Canon Law – set of Church laws used to determine justice

A. Breaking a law could result in excommunication (banishment from Church)

3. Taxes—the church forced everyone in Europe to pay taxes to the church called tithes

A. Tithes – tax of 10% of everyone’s yearly income to the church

4. Gothic Architecture:Medieval architecture

A. Gothic Cathedrals become popular around 1100.Notre Dame is one of the most famous medieval gothic cathedrals

B. It is located in Paris, France.

a. These cathedrals towered over

medieval towns to keep people

constantly reminded of God’s

presence.

b. Gargoyles—were built on the exterior of the cathedrals to scare off and protect from evil spirits

c. Stained glass windows—allowed light from heaven to flow into cathedral.

Pictures told stories from The Bible to illiterate people during the Middle Ages.

d. Vaults -pointed arches that supported the weight of the roof.

Cathedrals thrust upwards as if reaching towards the heavens.

5. Flying buttresses supported walls from the outside because walls were constructed mainly of stained glass.

Secular Involvements of Catholic Church