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 →
Ben McBee 02-10-16 a. The Gospel According to the Marks of Silver is quite a remarkable document for its time. The fact that someone was so distraught and frustrated with the leader of the entire Christian world, and was brave enough to write against the pope, is evidence that the condition of Christendom was indeed… Continue reading →
The event that led to the heated dispute and ultimate conflict between Henry VI and Gregory VII was when Gregory VII posted his The Dictates of the Pope outlining all the powers of the Pope. The one that really got underneath Henry VI skin was that 12 Dictate that said, the Pope had the authority to… Continue reading →
In the year 494, Gelasius I wrote the famous letter to emperor Anastasius I, in which he outlined the separation of church and state. “Two they are, august emperor, by which this world is chiefly ruled, the sacred authority of the priesthood and the royal power.” The fact that the letter was written is notable… 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 →
Soon after all of the patriarchal sees were established, the idea of Rome being the “first among equals” was starting to be argued by Roman Pontiffs. These Popes would all build off the idea of the primacy of Peter’s see over all others and from then on argue for Peter’s successors having primacy over all… Continue reading →
Ben McBee 2. The conflict between Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV would have profound implications on the relation between secular and sacred powers in the European Medieval world. To start, the stage was set for this clash many years before with the “marriage” between the Kingdom of the Franks and the Catholic Church… Continue reading →
The relationship between the Franks and the papacy is ignited in 751. However, it is the establishment of the Carolingian Dynasty that leads up to this unification between the Franks and the papacy. When Pepin III received the power because of his role as the king’s aid, he wished to be recognized as the king… Continue reading →
