Madigan identifies Groote as the primary force behind the Sisters and Brothers of the Common Life, or the Modern Devotion movement. Briefly summarize the characteristics of this group: what ideals shaped the way they lived their lives, how were they organized (in relation to monastic groups), where did they focus their intellectual energies (in comparison… Continue reading →
Innocent III, Letters, and King John. Madigan’s chapter details the papacy’s consolidation of power during the reign of Innocent III and the growth of church bureaucracy (289-295). Briefly summarize the accomplishments of Innocent, the papacy’s “instruments of power,” and the effects that these developments had on Christianity. Thereafter, consider the letters of Innocent and John’s… Continue reading →
a. Gelasius. How does Gelasius outline the relationship between earthly and spiritual power? In the letter to Emperor Anastasius I, Pope Gelasius I expresses a clear distinction of the relationship between earthly and spiritual power, specifically mentioning that these two aspects of power should operate within separate spheres of influence. Pope Gelasius I suggests that… Continue reading →
