Feudalism
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What were the defining features of feudalism? Is a feudal society a "backward" Society?
Feudalism was a form of land ownership commonly used in middle ages. All the land belonged to the king, and he could share some with those who fought for the kingdom and were loyal to him. The subjects were supposed to honor the king and share the harvest with him. The feudal system did not pay taxes to inform of money. They offered services and products to the kings (Hardy & Kinney, 2005).
They had two social classes of people in the feudal state. These were the categories of the rich referred to as manors while the class of the poor was referred to as villain. The manors enjoyed all the prestigious things since they were close to the king. The villains were slaves, and they were supposed to work for the Kings without pay. They were more of slaves. Any time they attempted to run away they could be arrested and be executed.
Feudalism was archaic and characterized by dictatorial leadership style, which did not uphold human dignity and human rights. In addition, it discouraged economic development since they did not believe in taxes and the class system.
How did the Franks become the dominant force in Western Europe? What were the Characteristics of Charlemagne’s rule? Why did his empire break apart?
Franks were a small group who hailed from Germany and settled in Rome. They were the first Germany group to convert to Christianity. They roamed around Europe, and later settled in Rome in the Meuse, Scheldt, and The Rhine. They converted to Christianity and joined the Roman army. They conquered many Empires and expanded the Roman Empire territory.
Charlemagne became the first European pope; he was a charismatic leader whose critical development happened during his era as a religious leader and head of the government. He was appointed to serve in papacy by Leo, the bishop of Rome. During his reign, he revived culture, and introduced education. He was nicknamed Charse the Great for his good deeds and critical development presented during his era.
His empire collapsed immediately after his death. There were wrangles on whom to succeed him. The family broke up and divided the ancient kingdom. That weakened the Empire, and it became vulnerable to attacks. It was conquered and latter collapsed.
Trace the history of Christianity to the reign of Emperor Charlemagne. How did the church become a political power in the Western Roman Empire
Christianity began in the 1st century C.E in Europe. It founded on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians have different beliefs and practices. It has three major branches, which came up after the conflict in the early church. They include Protestantism, Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.
Christians believe in one supreme God. They refer to him as almighty God or father of the universe. Since the 1st-century, missionaries have been spreading the word of God in all parts of the world. Currently, 95% of the world is Christian.
After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the church in Rome took over leadership and religious activities in the Empire. The Pope had the power to choose or nominate an Emperor. In 771, Pope Leo appointed Charlemagne as ruler of Roman Empire. He was a bishop and a military leader. He used force to convert people to Christianity and supported missionary activities and production of religious manuscripts.
Compare and contrast the teaching of Islam, Roman Catholicism, and Byzantine or Orthodox Christianity. Are they irreconcilable?
Both religions came to existence in different periods in Asia and Europe. They were a monotheistic religion; they believed in one supreme God. The Islam refers to Him as Allah while Christians refers to him as Jesus Christ. The religions believe in holy books; the Christian have the Bible while Muslims have their Quran. The books are almost similar since they cover Old Testament. The two religions influenced politics and one time the religious leaders doubled as political leaders in their respective empires for example Pope Leo and Prophet Mohammed.
The religions have their differences, to begin, the Islam does not believe in Holy Spirit and Catholicism. They differ on the divinity of Jesus Christ. Catholics have very many symbols of Jesus, Mary, and Saint. Muslims see these symbols in the church as extremism, and they do not believe in it. Muslims believes Jesus was a prophet sent by God while Christian disregards that because Jesus was the son of God. Muslims claim Jesus message was rejected, and God had to send another prophet. The prophet was Mohammed. In addition, Christianity regards Islam teaching about Jesus as a prophet as blasphemy and misleading.
The two religions are irreconcilable because they have adamant beliefs. Various scholars have tried to show similarities and points where they can converge, but the gap continues to widen each believing their religion are the only real message from God.