Providence and Sacramentality

God was not just some abstract concept in the back of a medieval person’s mind. He was mysteriously present throughout all creation. This is the Catholic concept of sacramentality:

[A] belief that transcendent spiritual reality manifests itself in and through created material reality, that all creation is in some sense a reflection of the creator, that God is present in and through the world. The correlation to this is that religion is not separated off from, or compartmentalized from, the rest of life.1

Not only is God part of existence, His presence can be more abundant in some places or things than others. Hence pilgrimages to shrines and relics can imbue these visitors with increased divine power.

The whole paradigm of sacramentality is demonstrated by God’s incarnation in Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more, with God being intimately present in our material world. According to medieval European Christian theology, human nature itself was corrupted by the fall of AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of creation. All humans descended from Adam and his wife, Eve, after they... more, and there was nothing individuals could do on their own to remedy this situation. But God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more, which is shared with humans through the incarnation and crucifixion of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, can heal our diseased nature. One touched by God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more cannot resist loving Him. Grace is what empowers one to make good choices.

For Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more, the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more sacraments were external signs indicating this inner graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more or loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more of God implanted in one’s soul by Him. So, according to Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more, one found God by using the church’s sacraments as a means to find His loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more in their heart. Trusting in God’s loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more was a virtue that helped sooth the pain of disappointments and enabled people to more readily accept the vicissitudes of life. This is what Marx was referring to when he said that religion was the opium of the masses.

This changed in the high Middle Ages when the sacraments not only signified an inner gift of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more but also conferred that graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. So, instead of looking into one’s heart to find God, one looked outward to the sacraments and to the flesh of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more that was found in the Eucharist more as the means to obtain God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more.

The concept of sacramentality was intermingled and deeply rooted in a strong belief in divine providenceThe word derived from the Latin word for “provide” and “foresee” that identifies the Medieval doctrine of God’s active benevolent sovereignty over all things and events in his creation, despite any appearance to the contrary. The universal belief in God’s... more, a belief that God governed everything. Nothing happened without God’s knowledge or contrary to His will. God was intimately involved in every aspect of one’s life, and one could see God’s hand in everything that occurred.

Regardless, people still believed in free will. Instead of viewing obedience to God as restricting one’s will, they understood that God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more restored one’s free will to be able to make right choices. Without this gift of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more, individuals were too corrupted by original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more to be able to choose the right. People sought to gain God’s favor by avoiding the seven deadly sins—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth—while pursuing the seven capital virtues—chastity, temperance, charitycomes from the Latin word “caritus” that was a translation of the Greek term “agape.”, which refers to a pure love of god and neighbor. It should not be confused with the modern usage of this term which is equivalent... more, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. There were also the seven heavenly virtues, the seven corporal acts of mercy, and the seven spiritual acts of comfort. But the most important were the seven sacraments—baptism, confirmationis a term derived from the Latin word for “strengthening,” and is one of the seven sacraments of Roman Catholic Church and of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Catholicism and Orthodoxy this sacrament involves anointing with oil and the laying... more, Eucharist more, penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more, anointing of the sick, holy ordersIs one of the seven Roman Catholic sacraments and refers to the ordaining of a priest endowing him with authority to perform the Church sacraments and with an elevated status within the community. more, and matrimony—which were formally established at the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. These were established as the Church’s official sacraments and were not just signs of an inner graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more but the means of bestowing graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more on the faithful participant.

Infants were baptized as soon as possible after birth to save the child from Adam’s original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more and to put the child into a state of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more with God. One could not be saved without being baptized. It signified the death and burial of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more and his rising from the tomb with a new resurrected body. So baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more was a sacrament more of regenerationComes from the Latin word meaning “born again,” and refers to the doctrine that people are born again into a new spiritual life in Christ when they are baptized, also known as baptismal regeneration, a belief shared by Roman Catholics,... more or rebirth into a new life in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. This is how medieval Christians understood being born again in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. Serious and intentional sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more was called mortal sinIs the Roman Catholic doctrine that various sins are so grave that they kill the new life in Christ that was conferred at baptism, and if a person dies in this state of mortal sin he or she goes to... more because it killed this new life in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, leaving the sinner back in their original damned state before baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more.

Originally, baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more was performed by immersing the participant in moving (living) water. Beginning in the third century, pouring was allowed for the infirm which was called baptismus clinicorum (baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more of the sick). The practice of pouring grew in the West and in 1311, the Council of Ravenna officially changed the form of baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more from immersion to pouring.2 However, the Orthodox Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more still generally baptizes by immersion.

In Christendom, there was little separation of church and state, so baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more became the initiation rite to become a citizen of the secularOf the world in contrast to the divine. more state. Consequently, Jews were not considered citizens and did not benefit from the rights afforded them.

Confirmation is the second initiation rite of the Catholic Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more which was administered after years of catechism. It bestowed additional graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and confirmed and strengthened the graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more received at baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more. This sacrament more was administered by anointing the recipient with oil that had been consecrated by the bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more. Then the priest laid his hands on the person’s head and pronounced the proper sacramental words for this rite. The confirmationis a term derived from the Latin word for “strengthening,” and is one of the seven sacraments of Roman Catholic Church and of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Catholicism and Orthodoxy this sacrament involves anointing with oil and the laying... more was immediately followed by the first administration of the Eucharist more to the newly confirmed parishioner, which became known as first communionis derived from the Latin term communio, which basically means to have in common. Words such as “partaking,” “sharing,” or “fellowship” are often translations of this root term. Partaking of the Eucharist is often referred to as the sacrament of... more. This typically occurred when a child turned twelve years of age.

The Eucharist is also referred to as Holy CommunionIs a term many Christians use to refer to sacrament of the Lord’s Supper commemorating Jesus’s last Passover meal with his Twelve Apostles, and Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. During this ritual the faithful eat bread, representing the body of Christ, and... more and the SacredDerived from the Latin word sanctus for “holy” which is the same root word for saint, sacrament, sacrifice and consecration. Anciently this term was associated with the setting something apart and dedicating it to the divine. more Sacrament. It commemorates Jesus’s last supper and completes the initiation rites into the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. Catholics believed that inner realities of the host and wine were transformed into the literal flesh and blood of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, even though their appearance remained the same. The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 adopted the term transubstantiationRoman Catholic doctrine, developed in the 13th century, that the bread and wine literally changes to become the literal body and blood of Christ when the priest pronounces consecration of these elements during the Mass. Protestants reject the dogma of... more in reference to this change, which was largely based on Aristotle’s concepts of forms and substance. Participation in the Eucharist more was accompanied by a celebration of Christ’s sacrifice called MassComes from the Latin word “missa” that literally means dismissed and refers to the practice in the 6th century of dismissing those in attendance during the Roman Catholic liturgy who were not going to partake of the Eucharist prior to... more, which they believed was not just a remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice on the crossWas an agonizing method used by the Roman Empire to execute slaves, rebels and others major offender to the order of the empire. In fulfillment of prophecy, this was the means by which Christ was crucified. Even though some early... more but, literally, a new “true and proper sacrifice.” Participation in the celebration of the Eucharist more was viewed as the high point of Christian worship connecting the participants on earth with the liturgy more in heaven, which became a sanctifying means of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more for the faithful.

The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 also changed the administration of the Eucharist more to become mandatory once a year on Easteris the most sacred holiday of the Christian calendar and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. There was a serious dispute between the western and eastern bishops in the early Church regarding the day Easter was to be celebrated. more and for the patrons to receive only the host, not the wine. Additionally, throughout the rest of the year, the priest would normally be the only personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more to partake of the host and wine during his administration of the MassComes from the Latin word “missa” that literally means dismissed and refers to the practice in the 6th century of dismissing those in attendance during the Roman Catholic liturgy who were not going to partake of the Eucharist prior to... more. Over the centuries that followed, the host itself grew in importance and became an item of reverence and worship. One would even be disciplined for dropping the host or otherwise defiling it. Individuals needed to be in a state of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more to partake of the Eucharist more, so confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more prior to participation in the Easteris the most sacred holiday of the Christian calendar and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. There was a serious dispute between the western and eastern bishops in the early Church regarding the day Easter was to be celebrated. more service was required.

In 1215, penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more, often referred to colloquially as confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more, also became mandatory at least once a year at Easteris the most sacred holiday of the Christian calendar and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. There was a serious dispute between the western and eastern bishops in the early Church regarding the day Easter was to be celebrated. more time. Paul’s epistles in the New Testament make it clear that bishops always had the right and duty to discipline members of the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more and to forbid those unworthy of participating in the sacrament more of the Lord’s Suppe. They could even expel (excommunicate) sinners from communionis derived from the Latin term communio, which basically means to have in common. Words such as “partaking,” “sharing,” or “fellowship” are often translations of this root term. Partaking of the Eucharist is often referred to as the sacrament of... more with the body of the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. However, as mentioned in a previous chapter, third century bishops began to require lapsed Christians to perform public acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more to demonstrate the sincerity of their repentanceTurning away from sin and to God in hopes of obtaining forgiveness and is associated with a change of mind and heart.  more before they were welcomed back into full fellowship with the faithful body of the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. Over time, the sacrament more of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more developed to consist of four steps: 1) contritionusually refers to one of the four parts of the sacrament of Penance in the Roman Catholic Church that consists of hating one’s sins. Luther rejected this requirement because he felt that it only caused greater uncertainty and anxiety in... more, 2) confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more to an ordained priest, 3) a declaration of absolutionDerived from a Latin word meaning “to loose” and is related to dissolve. Broadly this word is equivalent to forgiveness of sins, but used specifically it it means the priest’s announcement in the Catholic sacrament of Penance that the penitent’s... more by the priest, and 4) acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more to satisfy the eternal lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more of justice. The steps did not need to take place in any particular order, but all were required before the priest’s pronouncement of absolutionDerived from a Latin word meaning “to loose” and is related to dissolve. Broadly this word is equivalent to forgiveness of sins, but used specifically it it means the priest’s announcement in the Catholic sacrament of Penance that the penitent’s... more would be fully effective.

Prior to the Fourth Lateran Council, confessions and the acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more to obtain satisfactionComes from a Latin term meaning “to do enough” and is associated with the idea of making up for some wrong or paying a debt owed to someone. It specifically refers to one of the four parts of the Roman... more were generally public. The Fourth Lateran Council switched this, so confessions became private communications with the priest and satisfactionComes from a Latin term meaning “to do enough” and is associated with the idea of making up for some wrong or paying a debt owed to someone. It specifically refers to one of the four parts of the Roman... more likewise consisted of more private alternatives. Around this same time, Saint Dominic claimed that MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph. She has been venerated since early Christianity and is considered by... more presented him with rosary beads and prayers in a vision, which he then promoted wherever he traveled. His innovation became widely accepted.

The sacrament more of Penance can only be properly understood from a theological perspective based on the Christian salvation history we discussed. All humankind is condemned to hell from birth because of original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more. However, the sacrament more of baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more bestows God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more, saving that individual from the effects of original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more and placing them into a state of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. But no one is perfect, so as we sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more, we fall from graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. Some sins are venial sins that are so minor they are excusable, so the sinner remains in a state of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more while they repent and perform the works of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more to avoid time in purgatoryIs the place in Roman Catholic theology where those who die in a state of grace, but not yet clean from the stain of sin, suffer temporal punishment in a purification process. more. But sins committed with evil intent are so grievous that the sinner falls out of their state of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and will go to hell if they do not repent. These are mortal sins, which require absolutionDerived from a Latin word meaning “to loose” and is related to dissolve. Broadly this word is equivalent to forgiveness of sins, but used specifically it it means the priest’s announcement in the Catholic sacrament of Penance that the penitent’s... more from a priest. However, one still must satisfy the demands of eternal justice, so the priest prescribes acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more commensurate with the sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more so the sinner can obtain satisfactionComes from a Latin term meaning “to do enough” and is associated with the idea of making up for some wrong or paying a debt owed to someone. It specifically refers to one of the four parts of the Roman... more, return to a state of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and go to heaven when they die. Originally, these penitential acts included pilgrimages, payment of alms, fasting and other ascetic activities. Until the eighth century, penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more was generally only for notorious sinners such as murderers, adulterers, and idolaters. The practice grew to include venial sins. The Fourth Lateran Council then made penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more mandatory for everyone at least once a year on Easteris the most sacred holiday of the Christian calendar and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. There was a serious dispute between the western and eastern bishops in the early Church regarding the day Easter was to be celebrated. more.

Another major development occurred around this same time. At the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more defined its doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more regarding purgatoryIs the place in Roman Catholic theology where those who die in a state of grace, but not yet clean from the stain of sin, suffer temporal punishment in a purification process. more as consisting of two aspects: 1) some souls who are saved still need to be purified after death, and 2) those individuals benefit from prayers and pious acts offered by the living on their behalf, such as paying for Masses to be conducted for the deceased. This greatly increased sacramental devotion during the Middle Ages and became an economic boon to the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. For example, during the year Martin LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more nailed his ninety-five theses to the cathedral door in WittenbergNorthern German town where Luther taught in its university from 1511 until his death and where the Protestant Reformation began and remained the center of Lutheran Reformation. more, Germany, the priests conducted nine thousand masses, and the town only had about three to four thousand residents.3

During the late Middle Ages, it was very common for priests to conduct multiple masses for various deceased persons simultaneously in the chapel’s side altars with no one even being there to watch or participate.

A companion Catholic concept to penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more and purgatoryIs the place in Roman Catholic theology where those who die in a state of grace, but not yet clean from the stain of sin, suffer temporal punishment in a purification process. more is their doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more regarding indulgences. This first developed in North Africa during the persecution period when some of the penitentThe person engaged in repentance through the Catholic sacrament of Penance, particularly the person confessing sins to the priest. more sinners were too infirm to perform the public acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more generally required to demonstrate their sincerity. In these rare circumstances, the bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more had discretion to indulge the sincere penitentThe person engaged in repentance through the Catholic sacrament of Penance, particularly the person confessing sins to the priest. more and waive this requirement. Over time, this practice grew as acts of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more became a more entrenched aspect of Christian life. Monks who sought for ways to demonstrate their devotion would often agree to perform the required penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more for the personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more seeking satisfactionComes from a Latin term meaning “to do enough” and is associated with the idea of making up for some wrong or paying a debt owed to someone. It specifically refers to one of the four parts of the Roman... more in exchange for some offering. Later the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more reasoned that if paying alms to the poor and needy was good, what better institution to give money to than Christ’s Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more? This led to the abuses in trafficking of indulgences which Martin LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more complained about. Regardless, the payment of money to buy an indulgenceA Roman Catholic doctrine and practice that eliminates or reduces an individual’s time in purgatory based on a formal pronouncement by the church that is obtained by performing some extra-ordinary action such as participating in a crusade, going on a... more to lessen a deceased relative’s time in purgatoryIs the place in Roman Catholic theology where those who die in a state of grace, but not yet clean from the stain of sin, suffer temporal punishment in a purification process. more became a common practice in the late Middle Ages.4

The theology regarding indulgences involved the concept of an inexhaustible treasury of merits in heaven, consisting of Christ’s merits, the prayers and good works of MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph. She has been venerated since early Christianity and is considered by... more, and the extra good works of the saintsIs a term used in the New Testament for Christian believers. In Roman Catholicism it refers to officially canonized, deceased holy men and women who can intercede with God on behalf of ordinary men and women and whose ascension to... more. These saintsIs a term used in the New Testament for Christian believers. In Roman Catholicism it refers to officially canonized, deceased holy men and women who can intercede with God on behalf of ordinary men and women and whose ascension to... more, through the graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more of God, were able to attain their own salvation with enough meritA person’s right of deserving reward. In Catholicism it consists of two parts, Condign merit (a concept developed by Augustine) referring to good works of love that are performed through God’s grace making a person worthy of the reward of... more left over to cooperate with God in saving their brothers and sisters in unity with the mystical body.5 This Treasury of merits was placed under the charge of the papacyThe office of pope in the Roman Catholic Church which is the highest office in its hierarchical structure. more which holds the keys to unlock and dispense meritA person’s right of deserving reward. In Catholicism it consists of two parts, Condign merit (a concept developed by Augustine) referring to good works of love that are performed through God’s grace making a person worthy of the reward of... more at the pope’s sole discretion.

“The anointing of the sick can be administered to any member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger by reason of illness or old age.”6 The priest anoints the infirm with consecrated oil and says the prescribed blessing. In the eleventh century it became known as extreme unction because it was reserved for those in danger of death. It is generally administered in conjunction with the sacraments of penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more and Holy CommunionIs a term many Christians use to refer to sacrament of the Lord’s Supper commemorating Jesus’s last Passover meal with his Twelve Apostles, and Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. During this ritual the faithful eat bread, representing the body of Christ, and... more which all together are referred to as the last rites.

Holy orders refers to ordinations in the priesthood. A layman can become a deacon, a deacon a priest, and a priest a bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more, who holds a fullness of this sacrament more with the rights to teach, sanctify and govern. Only a bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more is authorized to administer the sacrament more of holy ordersIs one of the seven Roman Catholic sacraments and refers to the ordaining of a priest endowing him with authority to perform the Church sacraments and with an elevated status within the community. more. A priest is ordained to administer all the other sacraments. A deacon is ordained to assist the priest in helping the poor and with teaching.

As discussed earlier, the clergyconsists of the priest, ministers and pastors of Christian churches. In the medieval church this term referred to both regular priest who were monks subject to a rule (regula) of a monastic order and secular priest who were not monks... more were viewed as intermediaries between God and humanity. They were the sole means of obtaining saving graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more through the Church’s sacraments. In the late Middle Ages, a level of hostility arose in some areas because of abuses and resentment against the clergyconsists of the priest, ministers and pastors of Christian churches. In the medieval church this term referred to both regular priest who were monks subject to a rule (regula) of a monastic order and secular priest who were not monks... more for their privileges. This anticlericalismBroad discontent with members of the clergy, particularly leading up to and during the Reformation due to clerical privileges and abuses. more became a factor leading up to and fueling the Protestant Reformation(A.D. 1517) The Protestant Reformation begins as Martin Luther posts his 95 Theses, largely in response to the widespread abuses caused by the aggressive commercialization of indulgences. more.

This sacrament more is modeled after Christ’s unbreakable bond with his Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. Accordingly, it creates an exclusive and permanent union between spouses which is sealed by God and cannot be dissolved. The only exit is to annul a marriage for a cause that would have been objectional to the marriage in the first place. The Catholic Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more teaches that there are three “goods” associated with marriage: the procreative good, the unitive good (in which a man and woman become one flesh), and the sacramental good, creating the indissoluble bond mentioned earlier.

go to previous article:

The High Middle Ages and the Three Estates

go to next article:

Early Christianity, Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Mysticism