Church History Chapter 4 Questions

What was a baptistery? What led to the standard practice of performing Baptisms in a church?

A baptistery was a building used for celebrating Baptisms. As the practice of infant Baptism became the norm, Baptisms were performed in churches themselves.

What did Saint Boniface do for Pepin the Short, and what gift did Pepin give the pope in return?

Acting as the pope's representative, Saint Boniface crowned Pepin King of the Franks. In return, Pepin rewarded the pope by declaring him ruler of the middle section of Italy known from then until 1870 as the Papal States.

Why is the Battle of Tours important?

At the Battle of Tours in 722, Charles Martel defeated the Muslim army, preventing Muslims from gaining control of Europe.

Why did Christians build magnificent church buildings?

Christians built magnificent churches both as gathering places and as monuments representing their faith in God.

Name two reasons why many Christians converted to Islam.

For one thing, non-Muslims in Muslim-controlled territories had to pay additional taxes. However, the majority of Christian converts probably found Islam appealing because of its message, the enthusiasm of its followers, and its spreading power.

What is Hagia Sophia?

Hagia Sophia, which means "Holy Wisdom," is the great church built in Constantinople (modern day Istanbul, Turkey) by Emperor Justinian in 537. It was later used as an ideal model for other mosques, and today it is a museum.

What controversy did the Synod of Whitby solve?

In England at the time, Roman and Irish Christian practices differed somewhat. The Synod of Whitby determined that Roman customs would be followed in all matters.

What was the overall atmosphere in Jewish-Christian relations in the early Middle Ages?

In general, during the early Middle Ages, Jews and Christians lived next to each other without noticeably antipathy.

What did missionaries do for Christianity?

Missionaries spread the Christian message to other groups of people, specifically in non-Christian areas.

Who was the founder of the Muslim faith?

Muhammad founded Islam following what he considered to be revelations from God.

How did Muslims view Jews and Christians?

Muslims considered Jews and Christians to be fellow believers in the one true God and "people of the book" who, along with Muslims, believed that God spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament and through Jesus.

What role did patriarchs play in the early Church?

Patriarchs were leaders of the Christian community in major cities of the Roman Empire.

What Roman monk headed the missionary activities in England?

Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine of Canterbury to spread Christianity in England.

What significance does the hijrah have for Muslims?

The hijrah, or flight from Mecca to Medina in 622, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar because it was the first time that the people of an entire community dedicated themselves to living as Muslims.

What purpose did the liturgical calendar play during the expansion of Christianity?

The liturgical calendar Christianized the seasons of the year, relating them to the life of Christ.