Medieval Christianity: Christ the World Conqueror

Historical Forces Leading to Christianization of the Roman Empire

• Christianization: Became official religion of Roman Empire.
• Institutionalization: Formation of Imperial, Orthodox, or Catholic Church.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Bishop: A leader in the Christian Church, especially in Roman contexts.
• Catholic: Meaning universal, originally referring to the universal church.
• Council of Nicaea: A council that addressed the Arian controversy and established foundational Christian doctrine.
• Trinity: The Christian doctrine stating God exists as three persons but one being: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• New Testament: The second part of the Christian biblical canon, describing the life and teachings of Jesus and the early church.
• Saint: A person recognized for their holiness and virtue, often canonized after death.

Christianity in Late Antiquity: New Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy

• Orthodoxy: Adhering to accepted or traditional doctrines.
• Orthopraxy: Correct practice, especially in religious rituals.

The West and the East Part Ways

• Division of Roman Empire: Greek-speaking East and Latin-speaking West.
• Collapse of the Western Roman Empire: By 476 AD.
• Rise of Local Monarchies: Shift from imperialism to hereditary kingdoms.

Role of the Church Post-Roman Collapse

• Church as Government: Took over roles like welfare, education, and military previously managed by the Roman government.
• Bishop of Rome (Pope): Emerged as central authority, seen as the successor to Apostle Peter.

The Pope and Church Authority

• Papal Authority: Pope Leo I emphasized the Pope as Peter's successor.
• Political and Spiritual Authority: Church filled void of Roman government, establishing a structure of spiritual and worldly rulers.

Tensions Between East and West

• Celibacy and Church Property: Western Church enforced celibacy to prevent property claims by priests' heirs.
• Filioque Controversy: Dispute over the procession of the Holy Spirit, whether from the Father alone or from the Father and the Son.

The Great Schism of 1054

• Excommunication: Bishops excommunicated each other, creating a split between Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) churches.

The Crusades

• Pope Urban II's Call: Sought to liberate Jerusalem, claiming religious obligation.
• Motives: Prove papal superiority, end Western infighting, open trade routes.
• Outcome: Temporary crusader states, continued conflicts, worsened relations with Eastern Church.

Effects on Medieval Catholicism

• Papal Power: Strengthened, could command armies and stabilize Europe.
• Religious Orders: New orders like Franciscans emerged, serving different functions.
• Economic Growth: Increased trade and wealth in the West.
• Catholic Mysticism: Rise of famous mystics, many being women like Hildegard of Bingen.

Conclusion and Future Developments

• Institutional Rigidness: Increasing rigidity led to dissent and eventually the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.

Key Questions

• What was the significance and causes of the Great Schism of 1054?
• How did the Crusades originate and what were their intended goals?
• What impacts did the Crusades have on medieval Catholicism?