Implications of the rise of Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire

NOLL READING JOURNAL

Objective: Summarize the major differences between the Eastern (Greek-speaking) theological tradition and the Western (Latin) schools of thought.
Objective: Interpret the implications of the rise of Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire.

Instructions
The church-state emerges as a political reality in Europe with implications that last into our very day. However, the cultural and theological forces of East v. West forever alter the landscape of the church. To reflect more deeply on the church in this era, you will interact meaningfully with a set of questions focused on your Noll reading for the week.

ð Read Chapters 5 & 6 in your Noll textbook.

ð Fill out the questions contained in the document WK3 Noll Reading Journal located under course documents.

ð It is not necessary to apply a formatting style for this assignment except when using a source to support your writing.

ð Submit your completed questions to the drop box titled WK3 Noll Reading Journal for your instructor.

Make sure to branch out beyond simply quoting Noll.

Questions for WK3 Noll Reading Journal

Chapter 5

1. Discuss the significant events that had a key role in strengthening the role of the papacy.
2. What caused the bishop of Rome, as opposed to the ones in Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, or other key cities, to gain such influence? What events might have ended differently if the seat of ecclesial power had been in the east?
3. What characteristics of the influential popes like Leo and Gregory Brough the most positive good to the life of the church?
4. Discuss the ways the spread of Islam changed the growth and character of the church in the seventh and eighth centuries. How might Christianity have looked different by the year 800 if Islam had never spread into the Mediterranean?
5. Define “Christendom.” Discuss how it shaped medieval Europe’s outlook on everyday life, including politics, social conduct, and economic conduct, and how they related to the church.
6. Sacramental theology evolved throughout the Middle Ages. What was at the core of this way of thinking?

Chapter 6

1. What role did church corruption play in provoking the final split between East and West?
2. Describe what forces outside the church encouraged the rift between East and West.
3. How did the Crusades contribute to dooming the future of reunification between East and West?
4. Describe the distinctive of the Christian faith as it develops in Orthodox Russia.