The Catholic Church continued to grow in power and influence during this time, though some church officials began marrying and selling positions, which was forbidden. Kings also started appointing bishops, known as lay investiture, which caused controversy. In response, the Church organized more like a kingdom and implemented reforms to curb these unauthorized actions. New religious orders like the Franciscans and Dominicans emerged and magnificent Gothic cathedrals were constructed across Europe.

2.  The Catholic Church continues to grow,
undergoes reform, introduces new
architecture and launches the Crusades
against Muslims.

3.  Christianity continues to grow and
the Church expands its power.
 During this time, some church
officials start to marry, though the
Church forbids it.
 Some church officials even start to
sell religious positions!
 Kings got in on the act by appointing
their own bishops and other officers.
This was known as lay investiture
and was very controversial. A medieval king
 Because of all these, many reforms investing a bishop
come about to forbid such actions.

4.  Why do you think lay investiture was
controversial?
 What type of problems do you see with lay
investiture?
 Can you think of modern day examples or
similar scenarios?

5.  Popes organize the
Christian faith much like a
kingdom - Christendom
 The Pope’s advisors make
church laws – canon law –
and travel throughout
Europe.
 The Church even starts to
collect taxes (tithes) from
all believers.
 These taxes went to care for
the sick and help the poor.

6.  Also during this time, new
church groups arose such as the
Franciscan and Dominican
orders.
 Much like monks, men known as
Friars vowed poverty and
devoted their lives to travel and
spreading the message of God.
 Many were very well educated
and became scholars.
 Women also joined the spiritual
revival by joining convents and
becoming nuns.

8.  This new age was shown in another way, as
many towns in Europe built magnificent
cathedrals.
 In the early 1100s, these huge churches used
a new style of architecture called Gothic.
 This style of architecture is perhaps one of
the greatest achievements during the Middle
Ages.
 These buildings were tall, reaching toward
heaven. They had walls covered with large
windows of colorful stained glass, which let
in beautiful light.
 They featured pointed archways and many
sculptures.

10.  Gargoyles were usually
carved sculptures on a
Gothic cathedral.
 Some had the specific
function to direct rainwater
off the building while others
were grotesque creatures
with the purpose of warding
off evil spirits.