The Rise of The Medieval Church Before the system of checks and balances between legislative, judicial and executive powers was introduced by American Constitution in 1787, the same system existed in medieval Europe, between Church and the secular authorities, before 1050, when Henry IV became the Emperor of Holy Roman Empire in very young age. Prior to that time, the appointment of Church officials had to be approved by representatives of state. Although, formally the Pope was appointing bishops and abbots, they still had to get Kings consent, in order to move into the office. Yet, by the turn of 10th century, the power of Church has risen dramatically. Greedy Holy Fathers were not willing to share their riches with no one else, but God, who never demanded their declarations of income. In 1059 a Church council in Rome has announced that secular authorities will not have any role in the elections of Pope anymore.
In 1075 the representative of God on Earth Pope Gregory VII went even further, he came out with Dictatus Papae, which proclaimed the elimination of investiture practice altogether. Even though that Church announced the works of ancient authors as heresy, it nevertheless adopted Ceasers principle conquer and divide. By this time, King Henry IV was no longer a child and he rightly considered Popes declration not just as personal insult, but also as a threat to the unity of his country, since Churh also supported rebelious feudals in Germany at this time, to undermine Kings authority. In return, he denounced Gregory VII as Pope and demanded that this self-righeous monk would present himself at Kings court for punishment. Apparently, he was unaware of what power The Holy See has gained by than Instead of yelding to Kings fair demands, Pope excomunicated him from Church, which meant that King was announced beyond the law. 1075 marks the time when there was an end being put to Germany, as united country, before Otto Bismark was able to gather German microscopic pricipalities together in 19th century.
The Term Paper on Alexander Iii Figures Henry Church Pope
... of the church, had to do what any other good pope would have done in a time of crisis ... of Bologna where he taught theology and the Holy Scripture. The exact location where Bandinelli taught in ... between all of the Christian churches and finally restore the power back into the Church of Rome. (Somerville 1977) ... he got support from the, "slippery king of England', in King Henry II who ruled over the ...
There is no doubt that Henry IV wouldve treated Pope the way he deserved for his treacherous ways, if it wasnt up to the fact that he had to deal with rebellion among his own vassals. In the end, he had to recognize his faliure by traveling to Canossa and wait there for 3 days, while being barefoot in the middle of winter, asking for Popes forgiveness. Nevertheless, there was still an ongoing struggle between Church and German Kings for the right of investiure. Only in 1122 the compromise was found, when Pope agreed for the secular authorities to have influence in church bussiness, in exchange for the elimination of investiture. Yet, the Churchs growing apetite demanded more and more land and money. That was only he reason for the Crusades. Holy Fathers simply wanted to sent nobles into the slaughter, so their properties could be chritianized, while they were gone Later, during the reign of Pope Innocent III in 1198 and 1216, he justified elimination of investiture by saying that the Jesus himself wanted this.
He was also the one to proclaim that God wanted the city of Jerusalem liberated immediately, with as many unbelievers killed as possible. From the historical point of view, it appears that if Henry IV was able to prevail in 1075 and if he kicked the Pope out of Rome, it wouldve been a major blow for Catholic Church. It would prevent Christians from indulging in bloody bachanalias during the centuries of their uncontrolled reign, that we now associate with time of Middle or Dark Ages. It is not by the accident that deleloped countries practice the principle of separation between Church and the State. This is the reason why prayers are not tolerated in public schools and not that secular authotities simply want to prevent children from learning the basics of Chrstianity. Christianity is essentually a religion of those who are tired of life, madmen and impotents.
The Term Paper on Western Europe Church Pope Rome
"Europe was a Christian creation, not only in essence but in minute detail" The above statement can perhaps best sum up the relationship between Christianity and Europe throughout the ages. Christianity has been the strongest single influence in the history of Europe. Regardless of the century, no discussion would be complete without reference being made, at least in small part, to the Church. It ...
It has resulted in nothing but peoples suffering everywhere it had set its foot. It is bad enough that its allowed to spread its poison, but under no circumctences can it be allowed to enjoy an uncontrolled status. The history of investiture controversy is one of many examples that illustrates this point.
Bibliography:
Blumenthal, Uta-Renate. The Investiture Constroversy: Church and Monarchy from the Ninth to the Twelfth Century. University of Philadelphia Press, 1988..
