The Great Schism and Church Reform in Late Middle Age Christendom
Explore the Catholic Crisis of the late Middle Ages, the Great Schism, division of Europe, criticism of the Church, and lay piety & mysticism. Learn about key figures and events that shaped this tumultuous period in Christendom.
The Great Schism and Church Reform in Late Middle Age Christendom
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Presentation Transcript
The Catholic Crisis Problems and Challenges of Late Middle Age Christendom
Babylonian Captivity (1309-76) • French King (Philip the Fair) convinces Pope to move to Avignon • Popes concentrated on administrative (not spiritual) matters • Lived a life of luxury
Pope Returns to Rome • Gregory XI returns the Church to Rome • Death leads to the election of an Italian, Urban VI • Heavy-handed ways leads to a revolt by cardinals.
The Great Schism • Cardinals elect Clement VII (French) & excommunicate Urban VI • Clement sets up in Avignon; Urban remains in Rome
Division of Europe • France • Scotland • Aragon • Castile • Portugal • England • Holy Roman Empire (loose) • Italian city-states (move to Clement) Allied with Clement Allied with Urban
Damage to the Church • The Schism confused lay people • Opened the Church up to criticism • Weakened its hold on the people
Criticism of the Church William of Occam Marsiglio of Padua John Wyclif Jan Hus
William of Occam & Marsiglio of Padua • Both argue • Separation of church and state • Pope should have limited powers • Church take a back-seat to state • Conciliarists • Power in hands of council, not pope alone
John Wyclif • Bible was the ultimate authority; not pope • Translated Bible to English • “Lollards” spread ideas and Bibles
Jan Hus • Criticized indulgences • Preached in Czech language in Bohemia • Increased Czech nationalism, forced a separation from Catholic church
Council at Pisa (1409) • Attempt to heal schism • Elect a new pope, but other two do not leave • Three popes!!!!
Council at Constance (1414-1418) • Meet to: • End schism • Reform church • End heresy • Execute Hus • End schism by electing new pope (Martin V)
Lay Piety and Mysticism • Confraternities • Groups of lay people who took on the functions of the church • Mysticism • Intense religious feelings • Visions, “experiencing God”, the Holy Spirit, “Born Again”