Directions: Read the brief text, and, using complete sentences, respond to the given questions.
The weak and decentralized (separated) nature of feudal states provided an opportunity for the Roman Catholic Church to emerge as both a spiritual and political power in medieval society. When the pope crowned first Pepin and later Charlemagne he established an important and enduring precedent for papal political power in Europe.
While political power and the economy of Medieval Europe was highly decentralized, the spiritual unity of the continent remained quite centralized (unified). The popes in Rome maintained this unity through a hierarchy of clergy that included cardinals, bishops, abbots, and parish priests. The authority of the clergy over the royalty, nobility and common people was reinforced by several factors:
- First, medieval Catholicism taught that only the clergy could interpret the scripture. Bibles were written in Latin and normally only clergy were educated enough to read it.
- Clergy were the sole (only) holds of the power administer sacraments Catholics believed they needed to get into heaven
- Third, the church enforced a law code (canon law), on all believers. Canon law regulated the behavior of all church members and was enforced by a network of courts that had the authority to arrest and punish violators.
- The most powerful tool of the church in maintaining its power was the threat and use of excommunication and interdict, kicking people out of the church meaning they could never reach heaven, per their beliefs.
Questions:
1) What were the conditions of medieval Europe during feudalism that allowed the Catholic church to gain political power?
2) What kings did the Roman Catholic church first crown to start their political influence?
3) Clergy (church leaders) were the only ones who were allowed to read and interpret the
Bible. Why was this harmful to society?
4) What was canon law and how did it give clergy power over the people and kings?
5) What was the most powerful tool the Church had to maintain power over political
leaders?