Flashcards on Church History

Vocabulary style flashcards covering key terms, people, and events in Church history.

Great Schism

The split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches in 1054 over theological, political, and cultural differences.

Christendom

A historical period when Christianity was deeply integrated with European politics and society, especially during the Middle Ages.

Protestant Reformation

16th-century movement that challenged Catholic practices; led by figures like Martin Luther, it resulted in the formation of Protestant churches.

Act of Supremacy

Law passed in England under Henry VIII declaring the king as head of the Church of England, separating it from the authority of the Pope.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a deity.

Church of England

The national church established by Henry VIII after the break with Rome; maintained some Catholic traditions but was Protestant in theology.

Council of Trent

16th-century ecumenical council of the Catholic Church that initiated the Counter-Reformation and addressed Church reform and doctrine.

Cluniac Reform

Monastic reform movement beginning in Cluny, France, focused on restoring the traditional monastic life and encouraging independence from secular influence.

Humanism

Renaissance intellectual movement emphasizing human potential and achievements, often drawing on classical texts and ideals.

Martyr

A person who is killed for their religious beliefs.

Lay Investiture

The practice where secular leaders appointed bishops or abbots, often leading to Church corruption.

Feudalism

A political system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for service and loyalty; influenced Church-state relations.

The Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation, focusing on internal reform and reaffirmation of Catholic doctrine.

Science and Faith

The historical tension and dialogue between religious beliefs and scientific discoveries.

Wars of Religion

Series of conflicts in Europe in the 16th–17th centuries, driven by religious differences between Catholics and Protestants.

Hundred Years War

A prolonged conflict (1337–1453) between England and France, which also impacted Church stability.

Reforming Popes

Leaders like Gregory VII and Paul III who worked to address corruption and guide reform in the Church.

The Renaissance

Cultural rebirth beginning in Italy that emphasized art, learning, and a return to classical sources.

Medieval Inquisition

Church-led investigation and suppression of heresy during the Middle Ages.

Spanish Inquisition

A particularly harsh inquisition established to root out heresy and enforce Catholic orthodoxy in Spain.

Scholasticism

A method of critical thought which dominated teaching in medieval universities, blending classical philosophy and Christian theology.

The Avignon Papacy

Period when the papacy was based in Avignon, France (1309–1377), seen as corrupt and politically influenced.

Proto-Protestants

Pre-Reformation figures or movements that criticized the Church and foreshadowed Protestant ideas.

The Mendicants

Religious orders (e.g., Franciscans, Dominicans) that lived by begging and focused on preaching and poverty.

Crusades

Military campaigns initially aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control; often used to expand Church influence.

Constantinople

Capital of the Byzantine Empire; fell to the Ottomans in 1453, marking a major shift in Church and world history.

Missionary Activity

The Church’s efforts to spread Christianity globally, especially during and after the Age of Exploration.

Inculturation

Adapting the way Church teachings are presented to non-Christian cultures.

Western Schism

A split within the Catholic Church (1378–1417) when rival popes claimed authority.

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and skepticism of traditional authority, including the Church.

Renaissance Popes

Popes during the Renaissance era often more focused on politics, art, and wealth than on Church reform.

Gallicanism

The belief that civil authority should have more control over the Church in a particular region, especially France.

Papal Supremacy

Doctrine that the Pope has supreme authority over the entire Church.

Post-Reformation Europe

Period following the Reformation marked by religious division, wars, and the restructuring of Church authority.

Erasmus

Renaissance humanist who criticized Church corruption but remained Catholic.

John Calvin

Reformer who established a theocracy in Geneva; emphasized predestination.

Martin Luther

Initiated the Protestant Reformation by posting his 95 Theses; emphasized salvation by faith alone.

St. Francis of Assisi

Founder of the Franciscans; known for his vow of poverty and care for the poor.

Albigensians

Heretical group in southern France targeted by a Crusade.

St. Dominic

Founder of the Dominicans; emphasized preaching and education.

Charlemagne

Crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800; supported the Church and promoted Christian education.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Theologian and philosopher who blended Christian doctrine with Aristotelian logic.

4th Crusade

Crusade diverted from its original goal and resulted in the sack of Constantinople.

St. Thomas More

English martyr who opposed Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church.

Knights Templar

Religious military order during the Crusades.

Machiavelli

Renaissance writer known for political theory, often at odds with Christian moral teaching.

St. Joan of Arc

Led French troops during the Hundred Years War; martyred for her faith.

St. Catherine of Siena

Mystic who influenced the papacy and advocated for Church reform.

Jesuits

Religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola; focused on education and missionary work.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Founder of the Jesuits; emphasized discipline, education, and obedience.

St. Charles Borromeo

Leader in implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent.

St. Peter Canisius

Jesuit who worked to restore Catholicism in Germany during the Reformation.

Pope Gregory VII

Key reforming pope; fought lay investiture.

Innocent III

Powerful medieval pope; asserted Church authority over secular rulers.

Pope Alexander VI

Renaissance pope known for corruption and nepotism.

St. Francis Xavier

Jesuit missionary who spread Christianity in Asia.

Elizabeth I

Queen of England who solidified Protestantism.

Henry IV (HRE)

Holy Roman Emperor involved in the Investiture Controversy.

Henry VIII (England)

Broke from the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England.

Galileo

Astronomer whose heliocentric theory clashed with Church teaching.

Voltaire

Enlightenment thinker who criticized the Church and promoted reason.

Philosophes

Enlightenment intellectuals advocating reason, secularism, and reform.

Descartes

Philosopher who emphasized doubt and reason as paths to knowledge.

Pope Paul III

Initiated the Council of Trent and supported the Counter-Reformation.

Pope Boniface VIII

Asserted papal supremacy; clashed with secular rulers.

Philip IV (France)

Opposed Boniface VIII and moved papacy to Avignon.

Council of Pisa

Attempted to end the Western Schism; resulted in three rival popes.

Council of Basel-Ferrara-Florence

Addressed Church reform and East-West unity.

Council of Constance

Ended the Western Schism; resolved papal succession crisis.

Council of Trent

Reaffirmed Catholic doctrine and reformed Church practices.