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Christianity Most powerful force in Western Europe Religion was the center of everyone’s daily life Skeptical of non Christians. Clergy. Sacraments = sacred rites of the Church Sacraments = salvation Christian Bible was only in Latin Most couldn’t read the Bible for themselves
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Christianity • Most powerful force in Western Europe • Religion was the center of everyone’s daily life • Skeptical of non Christians
Clergy • Sacraments = sacred rites of the Church • Sacraments = salvation • Christian Bible was only in Latin • Most couldn’t read the Bible for themselves • Offered guidance • Help for the sick and needy • Opened schools
Village Church • Social Center • Largest building • Sacraments, cemetery • Source of town pride • Relics – possessions or remains of saints • Pilgrimages • Tithe – 1/10 of income to the local parish
Cathedrals • Much larger churches • Gothic style of architecture • Source of pride & competition
Women • Doctrine states men & women were equal in the eyes of God. • Many thought women needed men’s guidance • Minimum age for marriage • Church could fine men who abused their wives • Women often received harsher punishments than men
Monasteries & Convents • 3 vows – obedience, poverty, and chastity • Agriculture • Provided schools & hospitals • Missionaries
Church Power • Secular – worldly • Most powerful force in Medieval Europe • Papal Supremacy – authority over all kings & emperors • Land = power • Education = power • Cannon law = church law • Excommunication = removed from the church & no way to receive sacraments • Interdict = an entire town, region or kingdom banned • Inheritances often went to the church • Indulgences – buy your way into heaven • Simony – selling of Church offices
Church Reform • Pope Gregory • Prohibited simony • Outlawed marriage for priests • Monks – traveled, preaching to the poor • Poverty, humility, & love of God