Christian Values in the Middle Ages
What does salvation refer to in Christianity?
Salvation refers to being saved from sin and its consequences, achieving eternal life with God in Heaven.
Name one religious holiday celebrated during this time.
One major religious holiday celebrated then was Easter (others include Christmas and All Saints’ Day).
How did people demonstrate their faith?
People demonstrated their faith by attending church, displaying religious symbols, and following Church teachings.
What is a monastery?
A monastery is a religious community where monks or nuns live, pray, and work apart from the outside world.
What was the role of the clergy?
The clergy (priests, monks, bishops) served as spiritual leaders—conducting worship, teaching, and guiding moral behavior.
Explain the importance of charity in medieval society.
Charity was vital because it reflected Christ’s love; giving to the poor, sick, and needy was seen as a path to holiness and moral duty
How did the Church influence laws?
The Church influenced laws by promoting moral codes based on Christian teachings, often through canon law and Church courts.
What were common religious practices?
Common religious practices included attending Mass, confession, fasting, and celebrating feast days.
How were decisions made in church leadership?
Church leadership decisions were made through councils, synods, and the Pope’s authority with input from bishops
What role did the Church play in politics?
The Church played a major role in politics, advising rulers, legitimizing kings, and influencing laws and government decisions.
What does humility mean in the context of medieval Christianity?
In medieval Christianity, humility meant recognizing one’s dependence on God and placing others before oneself, avoiding pride.
How did faith impact social justice?
Faith promoted social justice by encouraging fairness, helping the poor, and treating others as equals before God.
Name a charitable act common in this period.
A common charitable act was giving alms (money or food) to the poor or supporting the Church and monasteries.
What was the role of the Pope?
The Pope was the head of the Catholic Church and spiritual leader of all Christians, representing Christ on Earth.
How did the Church influence education?
The Church influenced education by running schools and universities, preserving knowledge, and teaching reading and writing.
Name one Christian virtue emphasized in the Middle Ages.
Humility
Describe one way people practiced their faith.
People practiced their faith by attending Mass, praying daily, observing holy days, and going on pilgrimages.
How did people show love for their neighbours?
People showed love for their neighbours through acts of kindness, generosity, and helping those in need.
What is the structure of monastic life?
Monastic life was structured around prayer, work, and study—monks followed strict rules (like the Benedictine Rule) and lived in community.
What was the significance of pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage was significant as a journey of faith to a holy site to seek spiritual growth, healing, or forgiveness of sins.
The primary goal of medieval Christianity
Salvation
How did religion influence daily activities in the Middle Ages?
Religion influenced nearly every aspect of daily life—from work and meals to festivals and laws—guiding behavior through the Church’s teachings.
What role did prayer play in daily life?
Prayer played a central role in daily life; people prayed multiple times a day for protection, forgiveness, and guidance.
What is the role of a bishop in the church?
A bishop oversaw several churches within a diocese, managing priests and ensuring correct teaching and worship.
How did the Catholic Church support the poor?
The Church supported the poor through charitable works, hospitals, monasteries, and almsgiving.