Christianity came into existence almost 2000 years ago. Christianity, like
Judaism, rose from obscurity to become the dominant religion of Western culture. Christianity also became the dominant faith of Rome at the end of fourth century A.D.
(Matthews 157.) Both Christianity and Rome influenced Europe in a number of ways.
Christianity soon became the greater part of the empire. Between 284 and 476, Roman civilization went through two stages. One stage involved Diocletian’s reforms – paganisms last pinnacle, and the second part, when the empire began to fall after Constantine’s reign – the vibrant Christian age. (Matthews, 174) After this last stage, both secular and Christian writers competed for the attention of educated Romans. Christian writers deemed Rome worth saving; they looked towards a new future and new hopes. Secular writers on the other hand, did not experiment with new styles and consequently, Christian literature dominated the era.
Some of the best-known writers that explore religious writings are Augustine and Dante. Augustine’s Confessions is a spiritual autobiography. Augustine talks directly to God and he includes a constant sense of awe at the grace and mercy of God. (Norton, 1004) “…Since all good things are from You, O God, and from God is all my health… let Your truth assure me… Thy gift who hast mercy on whom Thou wilt and wilt have compassion on whom Thou wilt” (Norton, 1005, 1008, 1031) Augustine’s writings are a clear example of the common literature of this time. This form of literature carried on into what became known as the High Middle Ages, where Dante was prominent. Dante’s writings are another example of religious writings. His work blends both the story of The Aeneid of Virgil and the God of Christianity. Such lines as, “…to His law… by that God… Saint Peter…O Muses, o high genius, help me now… true praise of God… Charon” (Norton, 1306,1308, 1311) illustrate that Dante combines the two forms of literature, yet Dante still keeps this a Christian because this work chronicles Dante’s journey through realms of Christian afterlife – Hell, Limbo, and Heaven. (Matthews, 234)
The Term Paper on God And Christian Life
A healthy, vibrant, growing and happy Christian life requires a regular routine of communion with God through prayer, study His Word, and in Christian service to mankind. Like eating, sleeping, and exercising, it demands daily attention. And like our bodies, our spiritual life quickly withers and dies without spiritual food. I. Communicating Your Mind with Him The story of Enoch is a great example ...
The influence of Christianity in architecture can best be described in the context of the church – which dominated art and architecture in the Middle Ages. (Matthews, 235)
When Constantine controlled Rome, the basic form of the church was called a basilica. (Matthews 180) While basilicas varied, the basic shape consisted of a long hallway, “with an apse, or curved wall at the eastern end. Two rows of parallel columns usually divided into a central area, or nave and two side aisles. (Matthews 180)
Later, in the High Middle Ages, the Cathedral emerged. Two styles of cathedral were the Romanesque and Gothic. Of these types, the Romanesque was the first. The Romanesque received its name and style from ancient Roman buildings and churches of the Early Middle Ages – the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay, France s an excellent example. (Matthews, 236) The typical Romanesque church consisted of small windows and heavy walls and the floor of the building was in a cruciform shape to symbolize the cross. The Romanesque style also divided the nave into separate sections called bays. “Each bay is framed by a pair of rounded arches… the ceiling of each bay is a groin vault – a Roman building technique.” (Matthews 237)
The second type of church was the Gothic style. The Gothic style emerged when church leaders wanted to make the church more evident in urban life. They demanded higher windows and taller churches. Thus, builders needed to discard the heavy look of the Romanesque style. The ribbed vault, a masonry roof with a framework of arches or ribs that reinforce and decorate a vault ceiling, replaced the groin vault. This allows lighter materials to be placed on top and thus reducing the weight. (Matthews, 239) Further, architects replaced the rounded arch with the Muslim pointed arch, which allowed for higher piers, and later flying buttresses. With the weight transferred between the flying buttresses and the groin vaults, builders could easily insert stained glass into the walls. (Matthews 239) Two examples of Gothic style cathedrals are Notre Dame in Paris and Amiens Cathedral in Amiens, France.
The Essay on Cathedral Buildings Gothic Romanesque Style
The Cathedral wa a symbol of authority and religious achievement to people of the Middle Ages. Both Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals are monuments to the skill and creativity of medieval people. Upon entering a Romanesque or Gothic style cathedral, one would have noticed that the function of these houses of worship is very similar. They are each an urban religious center in which priests ...
The cathedral was at the center of town – usually both the cultural and religious center. People went to the cathedral both for trading goods, conducting business, and religious pilgrimages. (Notes from class) Later in history, bomber pilots used cathedrals for target practice because of the fact that they were the in the center of town. (Notes)
Cathedrals have been built and rebuilt all over Europe and today, are still considered to be architectural masterpieces.
Along with the cathedral, art was greatly influenced by both the Romans and the Christian church. Sculpture was popular in Diocletian’s time, long before Christians influenced art. (Matthews, 181) Sculpture consisted mostly of sarcophagi carvings and portrayings of feasts e.g. The Imperial Bounty. (Matthews, 183) Later, sculpture consisted more of religious portrayals “Christ in Glory with Four Evangelists” (Matthews 235) The Ascension and the Mission to the Apostles. (Matthews 238)
In a sense the Christian church within the Roman Empire influenced Europe. The literature and architecture of Rome was influenced by the presence of the Christians. The influence of this is still regarded today. We regard these works today – e.g. paintings and architecture as marvels of fine art. Even today, the (Catholic) church is still prominent in Europe, particularly Rome. And even today, in the Vatican City, its influence is still felt.
