Medieval Religion

Medieval Religion

Medieval religion had central importance throughout medieval times. Medieval times begin with the collapse of the Roman Empire and by then medieval religion in the form of Christianity had established itself throughout Europe.

This central importance of medieval religion continued to exert itself through middle and late medieval times, although by the end of the medieval times religious authorities had begun to lose their influence.

Thus the history of medieval times is virtually dominated by religion.

Medieval Religion * The Church

Throughout the medieval times, the Church had central importance in Europe and the Pope enjoyed the authority equal to rulers.

During the early medieval times, this authority was even higher than rulers, considering that Europe was in a fragmented state.

However, during the middle and late medieval times, various disputes arose between the rulers and the Pope, in addition to schisms within religion itself, resulting in a gradual decline in the authority of the Church.

Medieval Religious *Beliefs

Medieval religious beliefs were important to ordinary people during medieval times.

A common man was expected to follow the dictates of religion and any diversion could cost his life.

This was particularly true when the institution of the Inquisition was established in Spain and various other parts of Europe.

Superstitions were common part of medieval religious beliefs and this gave rise to such practises as witch hunting and burning of heretics.

Religions Types

By the end of the seventh century, Christianity had established itself in most parts of Europe as a result of the efforts of missionaries.

However, the Viking invasions of the eighth and ninth centuries resulted in the introduction of paganism in England and thus had its impact on medieval religion.

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 once again converged the Anglo-Saxon religious system and the religious practises of Normandy.

In 1054, Great Schism occurred in medieval religion which split the Church into Eastern and Western Churches. Further types of medieval religions followed during the late medieval times as a result of Reformation.

Norman Conquest

Religion in Everyday Life

Medieval religion had importance in the everyday lives of the people. During the medieval times, churches were constructed in every settlement and village.

Religious festivals were important part of the public life and ordinary people often went on pilgrimages to the shrines of the famous saints.

Due to the dominance of religious beliefs, persecution of Jews and heretics was also common.

Medieval Religion Summary

During the medieval times, medieval religion had central importance in the private and public lives of the people.

Kingdoms had official religion due to which diversity of religious views was not tolerated.

Church enjoyed supreme importance during the early and middle medieval times but by the end of the late medieval times, this authority had begun to erode away.