End of the Dark Ages: Rise of Monasticism
The Frankish Kingdom- case study. Changes in the art of warfare, prompted by the invention and adaptation of the stirrup. It revolutionizes warfare. The Lords of the manors developed into an aristocracy. upper and lower class- no middle class. Just the nobility could afford. Incompetence of Merivingians. The nobility had almost absolute local power- economically. They had a redistribution of land to buy political advantage.
Peppin- Frank who gained control in eastern lands, in 687, the western ones too, gaining unity. Made alliance with Roman Pope. Peppin had his power recognized, the pope said that if he had the power he should have the title. Peppin gave the pope some land, took some of the barbarians out for the pope. 751-754 AD.
Monasticism- Why the church was able to grow even stronger. The word comes from monasticus- “to live alone.” Not really a new idea- had always been around in christianity, even had been in Jewish sects. Lived in hinterlands in caves or crude shelters- called hermits- from greek word for desert. Retreat from the world- rejecting worldly comforts and temptations. But for a lifetime? Can you take the gospel around the world if you are isolated? Maybe- a portion of our movement has gotten caught up in evangelism and less on disciple-making, something that was certainly done in monasticism.
Some early monks lost it. One guy spent his time sitting atop a pillar, another underground. Problems could certainly surface- tensions, etc. Monasticism needed good organization and discipline. Cold winters and dense forests in Europe resulted in indoor monasteries. Benedict of Nursia wrote Rule of St. Benedict- code of conduct- life of moderation, discipline and routine. Days of formal prayer, chanted psalms, studying and manual labor. To join Monte Cassino, you might be given a one year probationary period.
*Vows after that- stability- a whole life spent in monastery.
*Conversion of manners- striving to improve self to become closer to God.
*Obedience to the Abbott- head of monastery, democratically elected, but very authoritative
Standardized monastic life, help christianity to flourish. Monasticism was a force of stability, preserved civilized society, improved the church’s prestige.
Rise of the Bishop of Rome
Bishop of Antioch, alexandria, constantinople, jerusalem, rome.
Rome becomes leading city, leading Bishop:
-The prestige of Rome remained.
-The church in Rome as the largest and wealthiest, and therefore influence?
-The Bishop of Rome was the only major bishop in the west.
-The eastern part had constantinople king, so the west could have political and spiritual influence.
-Many christians found Rome to be holy, christians were martyred there.
-Petrin Doctrine- based on Matt 16:18-19- in their view, Peter could give spiritual authority to his successors- the popes. What’s wrong with this? The name peter- petros- rock or rock man. But Christ uses petra- upon this rock- a feminine word, not a name- a play on words. The word Church only appears there and in Matt. 18.
-Temporal rule- Donation of Constantine- had given his power to rule Rome over to the pope- used to support the temporal rule of the pope from the 8th century to the 15th century. This was a lie. Problem with papal infallibility thing.
Some popes were very capable. Gregory the first- the Great- father of the papacy- sent 31 monks to England to convert people to christianity. The Lombards had been raiding central Italy. Gregory kept churches and states productive, resulting in food, a truce. The church had a leader that could settle its disputes.
Part the Third
Byzantium- when Rome fell, Constantinople stood strong, lasted til 15th century. Byzantine empire- protects europe from turks and arabs for 700 years. Acted as a buffer. It also transmitted greek culture north to the Russians- saints went as missionaries- the Russian monarch- called czar (or tsar, from Caesar)- they think they are the 3rd rome. Scientific words switched to Arabic. The Arabs did teach Romans some science in middle ages, some. But much of that knowledge came frm the Greeks. Greek learning transmitted to Italy- foundations for the Renaissance. Why did this half of the empire last when the other side fell? They were pretending- autocratic- they had a dictator. Less debate, so more efficient. The Caesar marshalled all resources necessary for war . Caesaro patrism- control of the church for benefit of the state. Protector leader of church.
Had impenetrable city, strong navy, well protected. It took Muslims hundreds of years to take it.
Byzantium tried to avoid war, even bribing enemies not to come. But this might not be true. People usually are not threatened by being too strong. Had some secret weapons- like greek fire, used with bellows.
The city was captured by Muslims eventually.
Also survived because of economics- Constantinople- world center of trade, valuable coinage not debased. Agriculture- backbone of economy, independent farmers, reduced taxes in late 5th century that tended to help urban poor. Abolished poll tax on the poor. They were wealthier, so their empire could be paid out of the treasury, not from spoils. So soldiers were loyal to state, not individual generals. Their civil service was god- a solid justice system, well run government.
