The church in history - chapter 7 notes

Chapter 7

The Roman Empire and Christianity came into existence about the same time, but when the Empire is about to fall, the Church is still standing strong and continuing on. This is not to say, however, that the falling of the Empire won't have any kind of effect on the Church. Before it began it's downhill slide, the Roman Empire had taken power over Italy, Sicily, North Africa, Spain, Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Gaul, Belgium, Netherlands, and Britain. Along their northern side, however, it was unstable and could be easily attacked. The Huns began to crowd the Germanic tribes, and because of this the Germanic tribes began to crowd into the Roman Empire. As they were pushed farther and farther into Rome, they began to attack villages and people. Finally, in 410, Rome was finally sacked by the Goths. Then, in the year 455, the Vandals came in with full force. The Empire fell, but the Church stood. Many of the barbaric tribes accepted Christianity and respected the bishop of Rome. One downfall for Christianity though was that they had no Roman government to protect them. Not only did they have to Christianize the empire now, but they also had to educate them. By the year 1000, all nations had been Christianized. The monks would spend many hours a day simply copying books which would benefit future generations The Franks ruled over Gaul (which turned into France eventually) and were the first Germanic tribe to be converted to Christianity. Soon enough, Britain was also converted. Boniface was a very influential missionary who worked a great deal in the northern part of Europe. By the year 1000, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Russia had made great steps toward Christendom. Gregory the Great was the first monk to become a pope. He had great power.

1) As a defense for his faith

2) To educate and convert them

3) The copying of many books

4) A negative effect - many other points of view came into play

5) Done

6) Because the barbarians respected the Church

7) The Vandals were Arians, as opposed to the Franks who were more of Catholics

8) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick

9) Augustine - City of God; Boniface - converted many people in northern Europe; Willibrord - established the Archbishopric of Utrecht.