The role and influence of the Church in society Flashcards
How important was religion in the medieval world?
Very, It was at the centre of most people’s lives.
What religion were the majority of people in Western Europe?
Catholic.
Who was the Pope? (2)
The Pope was the head of the Catholic Church.
He was God’s representative on Earth.
Did King’s in individual countries have a say over religion?
Yes. They were expected to have a say in the appointment of key religious individuals.
Describe two features of how the Church was structured? (2)
The Archbishop of Canterbury supervised the clergy in England.
The Bishops managed an area called diocese and the priests and monks in it.
Define diocese?
A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church.
What were two features of how the Church worked as part of the feudal system? (2)
The Church owned about 20% of the land in England, they had to perform civic duties to keep it.
Care for the spiritual welfare of the people by making sure they followed the Church’s teaching.
Why did the clergy have a conflict of interest with the Church?
The clergy saw the Pope as their supreme overlord whereas the King expected loyalty from them.
When would a Pope use punishments such as Interdict and Excommunication?
If they felt that a serious crime against the Church had been committed.
Define Interdict?
An authoritative prohibition.
Define Excommunication?
The action of officially excluding someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.
