Team Members: ____________________________________________
Block: ___________________
Europe: Trial Objectives Religious
Instructions: The following primary and secondary sources are designed to provide your legal firm with the
information needed to formulate arguments that will show that the societies you represent have met and
exceeded the challenges posed by the following three questions. Use your time wisely and provide responses with
proof that your culture has shown the best answers to these questions on earth for this time period. Be aware that
other trial teams have access to this information as well and will be looking for weaknesses in your arguments. Be
prepared to defend your assertions.
1. How does this culture meet the spiritual needs of its members?
2. What influence does religion/philosophy play on the organization and behavior of society?
3. Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
Objective: What influence does religion/philosophy play on the organization and behavior of society?
1. How are church and state merged in this society? Is this benefit or a detriment to society?
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“The holy emperor has a great place in the church, for he is not like other rulers or governors of other regions. This
s so because from the beginning the emperors established and confirmed the [true] faith in all the inhabited world.
They convoked the ecumenical councils and confirmed and decreed the acceptance of the pronouncements of the
divine and holy canons regarding the correct doctrines and the government of Christians. They struggled boldly
against heresies, and imperial decrees together with councils established the metropolitan sees of the archpriests
and the divisions of their provinces and the delineation of their districts. For this reason the emperors enjoy great
honor and position in the Church, for even if, by God's permission, the nations [primarily the Ottoman Turks] have
constricted the authority and domain of the emperor, still to this day the emperor possesses the same charge from
the church and the same rank and the same prayers [from the church]. The basileus [note: the Greek term for
emperor] is anointed with the great myrrh and is appointed basileus and autokrator of the Romans, and indeed of
all Christians. Everywhere the name of the emperor is commemorated by all patriarchs and metropolitans and
bishops wherever men are called Christians, [a thing] which no other ruler or governor ever received. Indeed he
enjoys such great authority over all that even the Latins themselves, who are not in communion with our church,
render him the same honor and submission which they did in the old days when they were united with us. So
much more do Orthodox Christians owe such recognition to him....“
(Primary Source) Byzantine Patriarch Anthony, in a letter to the Grand Prince Vasily I of Moscow,
Defending the Emperor, 1395 CE
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Objective: How does this culture meet the spiritual needs of its member?
2. What aspects of the Greek Orthodox (Byzantine) church were the Russians intrigued by? What does this say
about the kind of experience they expect in their worship?
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“On the morrow, the emperor sent a message to the patriarch to inform him that a Russian delegation had arrived
to examine the Greek faith, and directed him to prepare the church and the clergy, and to array himself in his
sacerdotal robes, so that the Russians might behold the glory of the God of the Greeks. When the patriarch
received these commands, he bade the clergy assemble, and they performed the customary rites. They burned
incense, and the choirs sang hymns. The emperor accompanied the Russians to the church, and placed them in a
wide space, calling their attention to the beauty of the edifice, the chanting, and the offices of the archpriest and
the ministry of the deacons, while he explained to them the worship of his God. The Russians were astonished, and
in their wonder praised the Greek ceremonial. Then the Emperors Basil and Constantine invited the envoys to their
presence, and said, "Go hence to your native country," and thus dismissed them with valuable presents and great
honor. Thus they returned to their own country, and the prince called together his vassals and the elders. Vladimir
then announced the return of the envoys that had been sent out, and suggested that their report be heard. He
thus commanded them to speak out before his vassals. The envoys reported: …Then we went on to Greece, and
the Greeks led us to the edifices where they worship their God, and we knew not whether we were in heaven or
on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty, and we are at a loss how to describe it. We know
only that God dwells there among men, and their service is fairer than the ceremonies of other nations. For we
cannot forget that beauty. Every man, after tasting something sweet, is afterward unwilling to accept that which is
bitter, and therefore we cannot dwell longer here." Then the vassals spoke and said, "If the Greek faith were evil, it
would not have been adopted by your grandmother Olga, who was wiser than all other men." Vladimir then
inquired where they should all accept baptism, and they replied that the decision rested with him.”
(Primary Source) The Russian Chronicle, maintained by monks, describing why the Grand Prince
Vladimir converted to Orthodox Christianity, 988 CE
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Objective: What role does religion play on the organization and behavior of society?
3. What is the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the state in Western Europe? How would this
relationship provide checks and balances to power in Western Europe?
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“Anno (Year) 749: Burchard, bishop of Wilrzburg, and Fulrad, priest and chaplain, were sent [by Pipin] to pope
Zacharias to ask his advice in regard to the kings who were then ruling in France, who had the title of king but no
real royal authority. The pope replied by these ambassadors that it would be better that he who actually had the
power should be called king.
Anno (Year) 750 [751]. In this year Pipin was named king of the Franks with the sanction of the pope, and in the
city of Soissons he was anointed with the holy oil by the hands of Bonifacc, archbishop and martyr of blessed
memory, and was raised to the throne after the custom of the Franks. But Childerich, who had the name of king,
was shorn of his locks and sent into a monastery.
Anno (Year) 753[754]: In this year pope Stephen came to Pipin at Kiersy, to urge him to defend the Roman church
from the attacks of the Lombards. And after pope Stephen had received a promise from king Pipin that he would
defend the Roman church, he anointed the king and his two sons, Karl and Karlmann, with the holy oil. And the
pope remained that winter in France. “
(Primary Source) "AnnalesMosellani", taken from the great annals of the monastery of Lorsch,
beginning 707 CE
Objective: What role does religion play on the organization and behavior of society?
4. How does the church in Western Europe ensure that secular (non-religious) powers do not interfere with the
organization and management of the Roman Catholic Church?
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“Following the statutes of the holy fathers, as, in the former councils which by the mercy of God we have held, we
decreed concerning the ordering of ecclesiastical dignities, so also now we decree and confirm: that, if any one
henceforth shall receive a bishopric or abbey from the hand of any lay person, he shall by no means be considered
as among the number of the bishops or abbots; nor shall any hearing be granted him as bishop or abbot. Moreover
do the we further deny to him the favor of St. Peter and the entry to the Church until, coming to his senses, he
shall desert the place that he has taken by the crime of ambition as well as by that of disobedience - which is the
sine of idolatry. In a like manner also we decree concerning the inferior ecclesiastical dignities. Likewise if any
emperor, king, duke, margrave, count or any one at all of the secular powers or persons shall presume to perform
the investiture with bishoprics or with any ecclesiastical dignity, - he shall be bound by the bonds of the same
condemnation. And, moreover, unless he come to his senses and relinquish to the Church her own prerogative, he
shall feel in this present life, the divine displeasure as well with regard to his body as to his other belongings: in
order that, at the coming of the Lord, his soul may be saved. “
Pope Gregory VII, an encyclical forbidding Lay Investitures, 1080 CE
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Objective: What role does religion play on the organization and behavior of society?
5. What is the Roman Catholic view towards lending money for an interest rate? What kind of effects would this
have on the economic markets of Western Europe?
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To take usury for money lent is unjust in itself, because this is to sell what does not exist, and this evidently leads
to inequality which is contrary to justice.... Now money, according to the Philosopher (Ethics v, Polit. i) was
invented chiefly for the purpose of exchange: and consequently the proper and principal use of money is its
consumption or alienation whereby it is sunk in exchange. Hence it is by its very nature unlawful to take payment
for the use of money lent, which payment is known as usury: and just as man is bound to restore ill-gotten goods,
so is he bound to restore the money which he has taken in usury.... A lender may without sin enter an agreement
with the borrower for compensation for the loss he incurs of something he ought to have, for this is not to sell the
use of money but to avoid a loss. It may also happen that the borrower avoids a greater loss than the lender incurs,
wherefore the borrower may repay the lender with what he has gained. But the lender cannot enter an agreement
for compensation, through the fact that he makes no profit out of his money: because he must not sell that which
he has not yet and may be prevented in many ways from having.... It is lawful to borrow for usury from a man who
is ready to do so and is a usurer by profession; provided the borrower have a good end in view, such as the relief of
his own or another's need.
(Primary Source) St. Thomas Aquinas, Dominican Friar and Professor at the University of Paris, On
Usury, c. 1269-71
Objective: Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
6. How is the Roman Catholic Church inserting itself into the economy of Western Europe? Would this have
positive or negative results, or both? Explain.
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In the name of the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, Otto, by the grace of God, King.
Be it known to all our faithful, both present and future, that, at the intervention of the venerable bishop, Drugo, of
the see of Osnabrück, we have granted a public market and the right to make money in the place called
Wyddenbrugge; for the redemption of our soul we have given to the same church whatever the fisc or royal power
held there. Rights of coinage and taxation and other public rights, hitherto under our authority, we grant to the
said bishop, or his successors, and we firmly command that no judge exercise any authority to disturb him in these
rights, or do him harm.
And in order that the bishop and his successors may hold this from us and from our successors inviolably, and that
it may be diligently adhered to by all people, we have ordered this charter to be sealed by the impression of our
seal, confirming it with our own signature.
The year of the Incarnation of the Lord 952, June twenty-eighth, in the sixteenth year of the reign of King Otto.
Holy Roman Emperor Otto, edict to the Bishops of Osnabrück, 952
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Objective: Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
7. How is the common person in Western Europe expected to contribute to the maintenance of the church and its’
architecture?
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“In the name of the Holy and Indivisible Trinity. Cuonon, by the grace of God, Abbot of Stavelot. Just as it is right to
keep alive those things which have been well and truly decreed to be inviolate and holy, so there is no question at
all that those things which have been corrupted by perversion ought to be returned to their proper use. Therefore,
let it be known to your posterity that we have discovered a certain corrupt and altogether reprehensible use, or
rather abuse, which we on the advice of our monastery and of our faithful people have corrected by this present
charter. For since it was the ancient custom that all, who have a rural possession within the boundaries of the villa
of Stavelot, should bring lime three times a year to the monastery, negligent officials, having accepted money for
the cartage, worked two evils, i.e., they oppressed the people by this exaction and they neglected both the walls of
our buildings and the crumbling walls of the inner cloister. And so we, resisting this two-fold evil, have decreed,
and by this present charter have confirmed our decree, that, for the future, serfs will bring lime or stone for
burning to our monastery, and if they are not commanded to transport the lime, they need not pay any
commutation or redemption at all, except that if there be an abundance of lime, they may pay for one cartload of
lime six loads of timber for building purposes or two for fuel. Moreover, they will go three times a year, first in the
month of May, then between the feast of St. John and that of St. Peter, at the end of the month of June, and
thirdly between the feast of St. Remaclus and that of St. Remigius. Let them bring this lime or stone prepared for
burning from our manors,which is Louveigné, or Xhoris, or Filot, or Ozo.
Done at Stavelotin the year of the Incarnation 1126, Lothar being King of the Romans, Alberon Bishop of Liège, and
Cuonon Abbot of Stavelot.”
(Primary Source) Abbot of Stavelot (Monastery in Modern Belgium): Decree of aCorvée of Labor, 1126
Objective: What influence does religion/philosophy play on the organization and behavior of society?
8. How did western kings ensure the wealth of the Roman Catholic Church?
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“At last King Lothar had decreed that all the churches in his kingdom should pay a third part of their income to his
fisc. But when all the bishops, albeit unwillingly, had consented and signed their names, the blessed Injurious,
manfully refusing, disdained to sign, saying: "If you wish to take God's property the Lord will quickly take away
your kingdom; for it is unjust that your barns should be filled through the money of the poor who ought rather to
feed at your hands." And being wroth with the king he departed unceremoniously. Then the king, much perturbed,
fearing the spirit of the blessed Martin, sent after him with gifts, craving his pardon, condemning what he had
done, and at the same time asking that he would ask the help of the blessed Bishop Martin on his behalf.”
(Primary Source) Gregory of Tours: a Church historian from His History of the Franks, Church
Exemption from Taxation, c. 570
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Objective: Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
9. How was the monastic system designed to help the individual create a peaceful society? How did the monastic
community contribute positively to the general culture of Western Europe?
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 Be alone in a separate place near a chief city, if thy conscience is not prepared to be in common with the
crowd.
 Whatsoever little or much thou possesses of anything, whether clothing, or food, or drink, let it be at the
command of the senior and at his disposal, for it is not befitting a religious to have any distinction of
property.
 A few religious men to converse with thee of God and his Testament; to visit thee on days of solemnity; to
strengthen thee in the Testaments of God, and the narratives of the Scriptures.
 A person too who would talk with thee in idle words, or of the world; or who murmurs at what he cannot
remedy or prevent, but who would distress thee more should he be a tattler between friends and foes,
thou shalt not admit him to thee, but at once give him thy benediction should he deserve it.
 Yield submission to every rule that is of devotion.
 Constant prayers for those who trouble thee.
 Three labors in the day, viz., prayers, work, and reading.
 Follow alms-giving before all things.
 Take not of food till thou art hungry.
 Speak not except on business.
 The love of God with all thy heart and all thy strength; the love of thy neighbor as thyself
 Thy measure of prayer shall be until thy tears come; Or thy measure of work of labor till thy tears come;
(Primary Source) Rule of St. Columba, an Irish monk who established monasteries in England, 6th
Century AD
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Objective: How does this culture meet the spiritual needs of its members?
10. How did the Roman Catholic view of God’s work provide a sense of security and understanding of the world
around the people of Western Europe?
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“With my wisdom I [God] have organized and I govern the entire world with such order that nothing is lacking and
nothing could be added to it. Everything is provided for in soul and body. Nor was it your will that constrained me
to do this, because you did not even exist. No, it was only my mercy. Constrained by my very self, I made the
heavens and the earth, the sea and the vault of the sky to move above you, the air so that you might breathe, fire
and water each to temper the other, and the sun so that you would not be left in darkness. All these I made and
put in order to serve the needs of humankind. The sky adorned with birds, the earth bringing forth its fruits, the
many animals all for the life of humankind, the sea adorned with fish—everything I made with the greatest order
and providence”
(Primary Source) St. Catherine of Siena. Roman Catholic mystic, reformer, and advisor to the popes,
from The Dialogue, c. 1368 about her conversations with God
Objective: What influence does religion/philosophy play on the organization and behavior of society?
11. How does the Roman Catholic Church see European society and how it should be divided? Based on the history
of Christianity in the Roman Empire does this view make more sense?
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“The ecclesiastical order forms one body, but society is divided into three orders. The nobles are the warriors and
the protectors of churches. They defend all the people, great or small, and as a matter of fact, they protect
themselves. The unfree is the other class. This unfortunate group possesses nothing without suffering. Therefore
the City of God, which is believed to be one, is divided into three: some pray, others fight, and the others work.
These three groups live together and could not endure separation.”
(Primary Source) A Poem by Adalberon, Bishop of Laon, CE 945
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Objective: What influence does religion/philosophy play on the organization and behavior of society?
12. Is there any power greater than the church in Western European society? Does this seem like a power the
church claimed or do you think it was given by the people to the church? If so, then why would they do this?
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1. That the Roman church was founded by God alone.
2. That the Roman pontiff alone can with right be called universal.
8. That he alone may use the imperial insignia.
9. That of the pope alone all princes shall kiss the feet.
12. That it may be permitted to him to depose emperors.
19. That he himself may be judged by no one.
25. That he may depose and reinstate bishops.
27. That he may absolve subjects from their fealty to wicked men.
(Primary Source) Pope Gregory VII, his DictatusPapae, a papal bull, 1075
Objective: Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
13. What role did the royalty of Europe play in supporting the arts and architecture of the Holy Roman Catholic
Church?
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“#27[Charles and the Roman Church] ... He cherished the Church of St. Peter the Apostle at Rome above all other
holy and sacred places, and heaped its treasury with a vast wealth of gold, silver, and precious stones. He sent
great and countless gifts to the popes; and throughout his whole reign the wish that he had nearest at heart was to
re-establish the ancient authority of the city of Rome under his care and by his influence, and to defend and
protect the Church of St. Peter, and to beautify and enrich it out of his own store above all other churches.
Although he held it in such veneration, he only repaired to Rome to pay his vows and make his supplications four
times during the whole forty-seven years that he reigned.”
(Primary Source) from Einhard, Life of Charlemagne, S. E. Turner, trans. (New York: Harper and
Brothers, 1880), pp. 56-62, 51-54, 64-66.
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Objective: Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
(Use the reading and the images to answer the following question.)
14. In what ways would the creation of icons serve to educate and expand the number of conversions to
Christianity in European society? What is a possible argument for the use of icons in the church?
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15. How would the use of icons help to legitimate the merging of church and state in the Byzantine Empire?
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Again, things which have taken place are expressed by images for the remembrance either of a wonder, or an
honor, or dishonor, or good or evil, to help those who look upon it in after times that we may avoid evils and
imitate goodness. It is of two kinds, the written image in books, as when God had the law inscribed on tablets, and
when He enjoined that the lives of holy men should be recorded and sensible memorials be preserved in
remembrance; as, for instance, the earthen jar and the staff in the ark. So now we preserve in writing the images
and the good deeds of the past. Either, therefore, take away images altogether and be out of harmony with
God,who made these regulations, or receive them with the language and in the manner which befits them. In
speaking of the manner let us go into the question of worship.”
(Primary Source) rom St. John Damascene On Holy Images, trans. by Mary H. Allies (London, Thomas
Baker, 1898), pp. 10-17.
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The Virgin of Vladmir
Virgin & Child & John II Comneno& Empress Irene
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Name: ________________________________
Block: _____________________________________
Trial preparation: Now that you have explored the basic outlines of the European religious systems it is time for your law firm to construct a
series of answers that will be used in the trials. For each question you must construct an opening statement that you will present to the court.
Include aspects of all of the societies you represent and then list specific examples you will use in your rebuttals during the trials. Divide the
topics between your legal team. Each of you will use the research from today to construct opening arguments. These opening arguments are
required by the beginning of the next class day. Teams that do not submit opening arguments will not be qualified to move on to the next research
topic and will be given the essay topics.
1. How does this culture meet the spiritual needs of its members?
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Evidence: Cite the source and summarize the evidence
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Name: _____________________________________
Block: ____________________________
2. What influence does religion/philosophy play on the organization and behavior of society?
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Name: ________________________________________
Block:__________________________
3. Is religion/philosophy or spiritual development in this culture a positive influence on art, literature,
architecture, and culture in this society?
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Evidence: Cite the source and summarize the evidence
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