The Rise of Papacy - Research Paper Example

? THE RISE OF PAPACY The decline of Roman Empire happened through a series of events culminated by migration periods .This fall marked the end of classical Antiquity in Europe. Concisely, middle ages of Europe emerged and were boosted by the invading of Rome by indigenous people who polarized their culture and traditions. Roman Empire was started by Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar who jointly transformed it into a monarchy shunning its republican qualities. Fall of Roman Empire was traced back to the Crisis of the third century, which was caused by political, cultural, and religious transformations for instance Christianity was the main religion till it was conquered by Muslim which took over the Empire which led to decline of populations of people. Conquerors took over Roman Empire territories, which weakened the stronghold of Julius Caesar and Augustus for example, Odoacer took over Italy, German invaders ruled western provinces. Roman Empire fell after splitting into two parts; Western and Eastern empires ruled by separate Emperors1. This gave room for moral decadence, financial troubles, corruption, and weakening of military power. These factors provided a loop way for barbaric hordes to attack and seize the empire. Papacy power rose after the fall of Roman Empire led by the Bishop of Rome. Uprising of church supremacy was started way back in 6th century; Bishops of Rome were among the most acknowledged and idolized popes of the world. Catholic Church created their own institutions of power known as Papacy, which administered that citizens are being given their due rights by the government. Christendom provided a tranquil environment for Papacy to manifest over a long period of time. Roman Catholic Church is strongly identified with St. Paul and Peter who were disciples and messengers of God. This pressurized Roman emperor Constantine to legalize Christianity as the national religion. Popes were at first regarded as advisors in matters pertaining to the empire, later on, Bishops gained superiority and became judges on Ecclesiastical disputes within the empire which prompted its attainment of new powers. Creation of churches across the Empire was done by Western missionaries who led to the spread of communion churches throughout the Empire. During Diocletian’s reign, Christianity was not allowed to be practiced in Roman Empire and they were being persecuted .This practice continued for decades until Emperor Constantine tolerated Christianity and gave them freedom of operation in the country.1 Pope accessed large area to establish his rule.Conversely,the church spread out to non-western Empire individuals who got a direct channel to oversee the operations of the Emperor. Furthermore, Pope was bestowed the universal powers over the church and no one had a right to limit him from exercising these powers. Apart from caring for souls, Bishops were involved in decision making, advice, and policy analysis within the empire. Papacy supremacy dates back to the holy bible where God gave Peter blessings to rule the earth. During the first three centuries of the reign of Christianity, church was involved in series of activities for instance; they acted as rulers within the Christendom, and resolved conflicts. Powers of Bishops increased to extent they ran the church parallel to the political systems. They could make their own policies and constitution without help from the politicians .Christians in the whole world complained about the powers and privileges Popes in Rome were commanding in the offices. This papal rule was not attained with ease; it was through numerous struggles between the holy and The Empire At Large. Every pope who was appointed must tussle to ensure that their position in the Empire was never tainted by the political leaders for example, Saint Gelasius I who headed the church from 492 until 496 struggled with Anastasius emperor to liberate the church from oppression. To maintain its supremacy, Papacy extended its rule to the West in 6th to 8th Century in order to escape strict governance of Emperor Byzantine.2 Islamic religion on the other was spreading in Roman Empire that it threatened the survival of Papacy rule. Frankish rulers of the West offered adequate protect to the supremacy. Negative Ramifications of Papacy. Papacy was transformed to practices, which never go hand in hand with the church. Bishops were competing with Emperors to gain support from the people. Pope Damascus nicknamed the church in Rome ‘The apostolic see’ which means that it is governed by the Bishops and apostles and the believers are followers who should be guided by what the priests formulate and implement. On the other hand, Damasus referred himself as ‘pontifex maximus’, which is a name referred to the emperors alone. Church was politicized by the Bishops who formulated and implemented rules to govern the church. Expanding of the church was done in a way which forced other religious groups to join them. Bishops tended to replace Emperors who fail to perform. Church became hungry for power believing that God sent them to earth to represent his Kingdom. Rules of Papacy were not strict to govern the operations of all leaders who come to power. Each bishop brought his own policies which at times were negative to the prosperity of the Kingdom. Papacy segregated itself from the state when Gregory the great was appointed Pope in 590 AD. This separation provided a gap for foes to attack papal rule because the state always offers protection to the church activities. More so, he expanded the church to England creating acrimony between them and native religions of England. Church is expected to teach morals and ethics in the society but the Roman Catholic engaged in activities, which promoted moral decadence for instance, the Roman church assimilated the Celtic Christian customs and converted them to Christianity.3 This is a form of neo colonialism which led to the people losing their cultural practices such as Easter dates and unique haircuts. This practice occurred that by eighth century, Ireland was integrated to Catholic Church practices. Roman Catholic Church leaders engaged in activities, which polarized the teachings of the church as a Christian institution. Corruption was sky rocketing among the Bishops; falsehood was the talk of the day while idolatry was practiced. These factors reduced the trust followers had on the church. Barbarism and paganism was involved in practices of the church, which are considered as practices of Satan. Positive impacts of Papacy Popes teach well in the society, which helps in restoring order and transparency. Roman Emperors were able to rule a vast large number of people with the help of Christian teachings. Bible is a good guide showing people what is desirable before the lord and the subsequent sanctions which come with breaking of the laws. Peaceful and orderly running of church activities was a crystal clear guide to political leaders to serve people with determination and consistency without favour or discrimination. Nonetheless, Church played a vital role in promoting education levels among Roman Empire people. Money collected by the church was disseminated to charity organisations and schools to help educate under-privileged children. Throughout the world, Roman catholic church practices have globally assisted many individuals learns to read and write for example through missionaries missions.4 They aided in assimilation of traditional customs in republic of Ireland and enabled them adapt new traits which improved their development. Reasons for Papacy power Firstly, Bishops of Rome were awarded undue respect and authority from the Roman Empire. Bishops were treated with care and honor since they presume they were sent from heaven to come and preach the word of God. They were first among equals and powers they command nobody should challenge them. These powers bestowed upon them made them gain wealth and prosperity compared to political leaders. They had freedom of movement and speech thus commanding high number of followers. The construction of capital city Constantinople by Constantine gave many powers to Bishops because they were able to have governance over Western Empire. Most populations of Roman Empire live in the western end than in Eastern side Constantine lived in the Eastern end of the town, which exposed him to attacks from invaders. As Constantine’s regime depreciated, Pope got an opportunity to expand his territories and become prominent among the people. This was aided by the opportunity church had as an open democratic system. Constantine’s enemies ensured he was removed from power since he started the acceptance of Christianity as a lone religion in Roman Empire unlike other leaders who declined it. Roman Bishop had no rivals for power in Western Rome unlike in the East where Alexandria and Antonio were up in arms so that they can establish as church leaders. The animosity intensified when Constantible entered the race to fight for power. Roman Catholic Church pope took advantage and stretched his territories. During this time, Pope had acquired large number of civilians ranging from merchants, tradesmen, bureaucrats, shopkeepers and low class citizens. Availability of power vacuum in West was provided by migration of Constantine to East. Pope became the only ruler left in the west. Though invaders flocked Rome, Bishop was the only person allowed signing treaties with them, which gave him many powers than the political elites for example, when Alaric besieged the capital, Pope made covenants with him so that he can protect the pope’s rule from external attacks. Nevertheless, Bishop had readily available resources left by the Constantine who moved to East.5 This fast tracked his conquering and settlement. Christian’s population increase rapidly in western Rome than in the East compared to other religions like Islam. Since the Pope was seen as a supreme and holy figure, he was idolized and trusted by the people compared to other leaders. His policies and strategies were easily adopted by the citizens who gave him lasting support. Papacy got its power after the falling of Roman Empire though it was a slow process over a long period of time. Pope got support from his Christian followers in western Rome who ensured he was not invaded by enemies. Emperors played a big role in the prosperity and slow growth of Papacy regime. This regime had both merits and demerits in the social, economic and political facets of the society. Pope took power after the fall of Roman Emperors and he gained support from Western which had a large number of persons than the East. Bibliography Eamon Duffy, Saints & Sinners: A History of the Popes. Yale: Yale University publishers, 2006 Grandfield, Patrick. The Papacy in Transition. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1980. Oscar Cullman,” The Papacy Today,” The Furrow, 28, No. 9 (1977): 590-591. O'Malley, John W. A History of the Popes: From Peter to the Present. Plymouth: Rowman & littlefield publishers,Inc, 2009. Pearce Higgins, “The Papacy and International,” Law Journal of the Society of Comparative Legislation, New Series, 9, No. 2 (1908): 252-264. Raffaele Mariano, “Italy and the Papacy,” International Journal of Ethics, 4, No. 2 (1894): 206-229. Wylie, J. A. The Papacy: A Demonstration. Ringgold: TEACH Services,Inc, 2011. Read More