The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity, 1050-1500

Description

The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity explores the role of Christianity in European society from the middle of the eleventh-century until the dawning of the Reformation. Arranged in four thematic sections and comprising 23 originally commissioned chapters plus introductory overviews to each part by the editor, this book provides an authoritative survey of a vital element of medieval history. Comprehensive and cohesive, the volume provides a holistic view of Christianity in medieval Europe, examining not only the church itself but also its role in, influence on, and tensions with, contemporary society. Chapters therefore range from examinations of structures, theology and devotional practices within the church to topics such as gender, violence and holy warfare, the economy, morality, culture, and many more besides, demonstrating the pervasiveness and importance of the church and Christianity in the medieval world. Despite the transition into an increasingly post-Christian age, the historic role of Christianity in the development of Europe remains essential to the understanding of European history – particularly in the medieval period. This collection will be essential reading for students and scholars of medieval studies across a broad range of disciplines. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of figures Notes on contributors Publishers’ acknowledgements Preface Introduction c. 1050: the starting point Part 1 Structures 1 The papacy 2 Bishoprics and parishes 3 Manning the Church: priests and bishops 4 Religious life and religious orders Part 2 Forming the mindset 5 The study of theology in the Middle Ages 6 Canon law 7 Social and political thought 8 Education and religious instruction Part 3 Catholicism in practice 9 Liturgy 10 Administering the sacraments 11 Sin and pastoral care 12 Pilgrimage 13 Death and the afterlife in the Middle Ages 14 Violence and holy war in Western Christendom 15 ‘From material to immaterial things’: Gothic art and immaterial culture 16 Building Christendom: patrons, architects and centres of innovation in medieval Europe Part 4 Challenges 17 Christianity and Judaism; Christians and Jews 18 Heresy and dissent 19 Magic and superstition Part 5 Shaping Catholic society 20 Jurisdiction and discipline 21 Economic life 22 Gender and sexuality 23 Literature Afterword Index