The Catholic Church
By: Taylor Wall and Tyann Ellis
Essential Question
Are religious leaders as influential as political leaders?
Foundations of Power and Influence
The church became very powerful in absence of a centralized government. In this absence the Catholic Church was the only thing that united Europe. This caused many people to go to the church and listen to what the pope said over time this gradually gave the church power.
Papacy and the Vatican Power Structure
The Vatican power struggle began with the pope Gregory vii declared that he was gods " vicar on earth" and that the popes authority extended over all of the Christian world including the leaders this caused a power struggle between the king Henry the 4th because he felt as If the authority was being challenged because the citizens began listening to the pope.
Balance and Maintenance of Power in Europe
The Austrian chancellor tried very hardly to create a balance of power that would be good for every one. After this the popes began gaining control of territory of Italy. Because they were in charge of this land this gave them a say in political matters as well as religious matters meaning that they had a lot of power. The popes also were very active in the feudal system.
Role of the Pope in Catholic Church
The pope was the head of the Catholic Church. The pope had an extreme amount of power because he ultimately decided whether or not peoples souls went to heaven or he'll, so everybody followed his religion in hopes of spending an eternity in heaven. People saw the pope as God's representative on Earth. They looked towards the pope for guidance on how to live live their lives which gave him a ton of power. The pope was seen as God's representative, so it was his responsibility to decide what the church would teach.
Roles of Monks and Nuns
Monks and nuns aren't as shy as most people think. They are extremely active members if the church and lived their lives to make others' better. They were kind and helpful to everyone, whether they were a part of the church or not. This was extremely beneficial because their kindness made people want to be apart if the church. They did most of the jobs like helping kids get an education, feeding the homeless, giving shelter to the poor. They did so much which gave them lots of respect and power.
Missions/Missionaries
Missionaries were extremely crucial to the church. They spread the word of Roman Catholicism and helped that religion to become as big of a success that it was. Their role was extremely important and without them, they might not have had as many followers as they did.
Critical Thinking Question
Nuns and Monks were more influential than political leaders at that time period. Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?
Essential Question
Are religious leaders as influential as political leaders?
MLA citations
Pope Gregory VII." - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
Henry IV of England." - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
The Middle Ages - Popes vs. Kings." The Middle Ages - Popes vs. Kings. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
Germany in the X-XIII Centuries." Germany in the X-XIII Centuries. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
Luther and the Protestant Reformation: Crash Course World History #218."
YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
History of Christianity of the Middle Ages." -
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
Henry IV of England." - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
The Middle Ages - Popes vs. Kings." The Middle Ages - Popes vs. Kings. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
Germany in the X-XIII Centuries." Germany in the X-XIII Centuries. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
"
Luther and the Protestant Reformation: Crash Course World History #218."
YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
History of Christianity of the Middle Ages." -
Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.