Anglo Saxon Religion Flashcards
What was the identity of the English Church by the eleventh century?
The English Church had an independent identity.
When did the Roman Catholic Church come to England?
AD 597
How did the Anglo-Saxons convert to Christianity?
The pagan Anglo-Saxons gradually converted to Christianity.
What influence did Irish missionaries have in England?
They spread different ideas, forms of worship, and art in the north of England.
How did the English Church differ from the Church in Europe regarding language?
The English Church often used English during Mass, unlike the Church in Europe which insisted on Latin.
What influences shaped the character of the English Church?
The individual character of the Church was reflected in the religion of the people, influenced by both Roman Catholic and Celtic traditions.
What pre-Christian beliefs influenced the English Church?
Many pagan beliefs and customs influenced their beliefs.
What is a common practice in some villages regarding worship?
Some villages don’t have a church and worship around a stone cross.
What is the literacy situation regarding the Bible among the people?
Very few people can read, so Bibles are only for the priests, even if they’re in English.
What is the Pope’s stance on local English saints?
The Pope doesn’t like it and thinks only he can make people saints.
What do priests often preach about the people’s behavior?
Priests often make sermons saying that people eat and drink too much and are sexually immoral.
What beliefs do many people hold despite the Church’s disapproval?
Lots of people believe in elves and goblins and use charms and spells, even though the Church doesn’t like it.
Who reformed the tenth-century Church?
St Dunstan reformed the tenth-century Church.
What position did Dunstan hold in AD 960?
Dunstan became Archbishop of Canterbury in AD 960.
What were some of Dunstan’s skills?
Dunstan was a skilled artist and musician.
How did Dunstan contribute financially to the Church?
A rich woman left Dunstan a fortune, which he spent on improving monasteries.
What high standards did Dunstan set for the Church?
Dunstan ended corruption among Church leaders, improved education of monks, nuns and priests, forbade priests to marry, and rebuilt churches, abbeys, and monasteries.
What happened after Dunstan died in 988?
After Dunstan died in 988, English Church leaders made him a saint.
Why were Dunstan’s reforms not continued?
Dunstan’s reforms were not continued because the Vikings began their raids on England again.
What significant event occurred in 1011?
In 1011, much of Canterbury was destroyed.
What was the impact of Viking raids on the Anglo-Saxon Church?
The disruption ended the reform of the Anglo-Saxon Church.
Did the Church recover under the Danish kings from 1014 to 1042?
Although the Danish kings were Christian, the Church did not recover.
What was the Church accused of by the eleventh century?
Corruption and backwardness.
Who was Edward the Confessor?
A devout Christian king who brought Norman priests to England.
Who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1051?
Robert of Jumièges.
What did Robert of Jumièges try to do?
Reform the Church.
Who forced Edward to replace Robert of Jumièges?
Harold Godwinson.
Who was the new archbishop after Robert?
Stigand.
What was Stigand’s focus as archbishop?
Advising the king rather than reforming the Church.
What Church rules did Stigand break?
Held two Church positions at once (pluralism) and sold Church posts for money (simony).
Why did Stigand keep his position?
Because he was supported by Harold Godwinson.
How did the Pope view the English Church?
He thought it was backward and that Stigand was corrupt.
What did the Pope insist Stigand do?
Give up one of his posts.
How were English clergy compared to priests elsewhere in Europe?
They were poorly educated and still allowed to marry.
