This weeks Seminary (Church History) class topics

Here is a powerpoint presentation I submitted for this weeks class:
(Once Powerpoint begins, click on each slide to advance to next slide):

Charlemagne and Christendom Powerpoint


The History of the Papacy. Fascinating reading how the contributions of so many early popes had such a great impact on the Church. Especially interesting reading was the rise in power of the papacy and how many early popes participated in political, legal, and even military activities.

Pope Gregory I. We see a continuation of last weeks lesson and the importance of the rise of monasticism, once again. Gregory was one of those monks who was apparently very spiritually gifted and rose to the See of Rome. His list of achievements are astounding and yet he seemed to be quite humble; referring to himself as “a servant of the servants of God”.

Charlemagne. An extraordinary political, military, and spiritual leader. He was “ferocious” in insisting on the spread of Christianity and the influence of the Church. His link with Rome, established an alliance of church and state affairs that would last for the next several centuries.

The Christendom of the middle ages. Although concepts of the notion of integration of life, the church, and state began in Constantine’s day, Charlemagne and Pope Leo III brought this integration into a more emphasized and defined reality. It was a powerful ideal.

The influence of the spread of Islam. The influence of the spread of Islam had a huge impact on the events leading up to the coronation of Charlemagne. Noll points out several aspects of the rise of Islam that made impacts, including how Islam spread in various regions because of the weaknesses in Christianity. Of particular importance of the spread of Islam, was the shift in attention of the papacy from the east to the north (toward Europe).

Blessings!
George