Medieval Christianity
The Medieval Church was much like the Imperial church in the fact that it was still living in the favor of much of society. The pope in the church also experienced a greater sphere of influence and power. This greatly changed the dynamics of the church. Its role in society began to shift. As a result of the surrounding land, the Medieval church experienced changes in the fact that there was many attempts to reform the church. These reforms started in the Monasticism movement as well as the beginning of major theological studies.
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Doctrinal Implications of the TimeMonasticism:
Monasticism is the practice of withdrawing or separating one's self from society. This theme of solitude is an important aspect of Monasticism. During this time in church history, Monasticism became very popular. As the society around the church became more supportive, believers in the church found that the church was becoming less concrete in its standards for believers. The church was growing in its wealth, in its political influences, and in its relationship to the world. This birthed a desire within groups of believers to be set apart from this current trend. As a result, many fled away to the deserts creating the first of the Monasticism movement. Through this movement, individuals such as Jerome and St. Benedict were able to create works that impacted the theological views of Christian leaders to come (Gonzales I: 158-165). Sacraments: During the Medieval church, the concept of sacraments emerged. Although sacraments had always been performed in the church, it was during this time period that the 7 sacrament were recognized officially. These seven sacraments were baptism, the Eucharist (communion), penance, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, and extreme unction. These things were considered sacraments because they were seen as an act done with intent and honor toward God. As sacraments, these activities were prescribed rules and regulations that are upheld today. One example of this is marriage. Marriages were performed by the church, within a church building. Likewise, marriage ceremonies today follow a similar custom. In some churches, there are specific bylaws that address marriage specifically. Icons: During this period, there was a controversy about the use of icons and images within the church. This was an issue because these icons, although intended to only be a representation of God, would often be taken as idols. People would worship these icons rather than the God that these icons represented. As a result, the Iconoclastic Controversy arose. Biblically, those who did want icons supported it by using the scripture which instructed man to not make an idol or an image to worship. In 754, Constantine V, called a council that forbade the use of images and condemned those who defended them. Some have suggested that the presence of Islam, which holds strong teachings against any physical representation of God was a factor in this decision. Finally, in 787, the Seventh Ecumenical Council gathered at Nicea where it was distinguished between latria and dulia. Latria was considered worship in a strict sense, due only to God. Dulia was a lesser worship which was to be givent o images. As a result, in 842, images were restored. This was celebrated by the Eastern churches while not take as well by the Western churches (Gonzales I: 305, 306). |
Important VoicesThomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas was one of the top scholars of the Medieval church periods. He was known for his scholasticism. Particularly, Aquinas was known for his belief that both reason and revelation worked together. Two of Aquinas' best works are Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles (Gonzales V.1 375-377).
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi was known for his role in helping reform the church. St. Francis of Assisi stressed heavily on the need for the church to focus on poverty and living a life of less. His followers were known as Franciscans and they were recognized easily because of their brown robes (Gonzales V.1 358, 359).
Innocent III
Pope Innocent III was considered the most powerful pope of in history. He is particularly known for his impactful use of the excommunication punishment. He embodied the power of the papacy and the growing control of the pope within the church (Gonzales V.1 364).
St. Benedict
Saint Benedict was the prominent figure of monasticism in the Western tradition. Benedict is best known for the Rule that he gave to the monastic community that he established in Monte Cassino. The Rule was focused on stability and obedience. It also insisted on physical labor and prayer. Benedicts Rule continues and has become widespread (Gonzales I: 277-281).
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