The Middle Ages and the Renaissance (700-1500 CE)

Question 1

What were the 3 major powers that emerged by 1100?

Answer 1

1. Byzantium (centred on city of Constantinople)
2. Western Europe (centred on Rome)
3. The Caliphate (Islamic region

Question 2

What was one of the most important development in the Middle Ages?

Answer 2

The “Great Schism” - filioque controversy

Question 3

What is the difference between “Medieval theology” and “Byzantine theology”?

Answer 3

“Medieval theology” - western theology

“Byzantine theology” - eastern theology

Question 4

What are the distinctive styles of Medieval Schools of Theology?

Answer 4

1. The Dominicans (emphasis on education)
2. The Franciscans (emphasis on individual and corporate poverty)
3. The Augustinians

Question 5

What is “Scholasticism”?

Answer 5

• Medieval theological movement which flourished in 1200-1500
• “Scholasticism” refer to a particular way of doing and organizing theology and not a specific system of beliefs
• movement to harmonise faith and reason (theology and philosophy)
• crystalised the sacramental system
• Etienne Gilson (1884-1978) declared Scholasticism was a “cathedral of the mind” showing order, complexity, and beauty
• Writings of Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham – three most influential of all scholastic writers

Question 6

What were the 2 theological controversies in Byzantine theology?

Answer 6

1. Iconoclastic controversy (725-842)

2. Hesychasm controversy (14th century)