中世纪西方政教关系英文.doc

The relationship between the Church and the states during the medieval period went through a number of developments. At first ,they kept a close relationship to cooperate but then they were in fierce conflict to get the dominant control of the whole country . their respective power during the time put up a relation of ebb and flow ,not unchangeable.originally,the papal authority was subordinate to the kingship.then the religious power rose and even surpassed the kingship,however,as the national consciousness sprouted in western Europe,the kingship strenghtened and the clerical power declined ,then the kingship won the final victory. （1）in the early time of middle ages,the church and state keep a close relation in aim of mutual dependence and exploitation.in the 5th century,the pope gailaxi put forward the two swordstheory.namely,The Almighty gives the sword symbolizing the highest religious authority to the pope and the sword symbolizing the highest secular power to the emperor .  The church at Rome was considered the spiritual authority over mens lives, whereas the emperor was the head of the political organization to which men submitted. The church taught the people that they must obey the emperor, whereas the emperor enforced the authority of the church over the people in spiritual matters. It was the emperors job to ensure religious conformity and the unity of the faith, with force when necessary.they controlled most of the peoples of Europe for centuries. This is an example about the relationship between Charlemagne and Pope Leo III. Pope Leo was adamantly opposed by the nobility of Rome because he was of common origin, and they wanted a pope from their own class. He was attacked by a large mob and sent to prison with the intention that they would blind him . He was rescued, but his position was very precarious. Charlemagne rushed to roman to provide assistance.in 800 , Leo III crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the West ,a region later known as the Holy Rom