In the early Middle Ages, Charlemagne (742- 814) was a hugely influential ruler in western Europe, serving as a source of unity, stability and, significantly, a driving force in the promotion of Christianity. Charlemagne believed that, through the spread of his religion, he could evangelize his lands and unite the people to form a greater, powerful kingdom for himself.
During Charlemagne’s rule, Christianity grew exponentially and subsequently became the main religion of the entire region in which he held power. He imposed Christianity through a variety of methods, including military conquest, royal decrees, and missionary work.Charlemagne’s enthusiasm for the Christian faith is evidenced by the founding of monastic churches throughout his territories, often in association with his numerous campaigns. Charlemagne was also a supporter of the development of higher learning, most notably through his sponsorship of the Palatine School of Aquitaine, the first school of higher learning in Europe.
Not only did Charlemagne promote Christianity through power and education, but he also encouraged it through religious activity. Charlemagne and his court regularly attended church and participated in religious ceremonies. He welcomed Christian scholars and missionaries to court, and encouraged them to spread the Gospel throughout the land. Charlemagne was a strong advocate of religious reform and did much to eliminate paganism, which was still prevalent in the lands he conquered.
Plus, Charlemagne issued a variety of laws and mandates to enforce his views on Christianity. These ranged from Sabbath regulations to laws governing marriage and inheritance. He even issued a document known as the “Capitulare De Villis”, which mandated that all the Villas of his empire must have a priest for the spiritual needs of its people. This ensured that no area of Charlemagne’s domain would be left without religious instruction and support.
Charlemagne’s efforts to spread Christianity resulted in significant cultural, intellectual, and spiritual advancements. The church was a vital institution, capable of both enforcing and protecting Charlemagne’s rules and laws, as well as providing spiritual guidance and support to a largely illiterate population. In sum, Charlemagne’s legacy has left an indelible imprint on the importance of Christian faith in the Western world.
Education
Charlemagne was a strong proponent of education and was instrumental in the adoption of Christianity into the curriculum of his schools. Charlemagne believed education was not just about imparting knowledge of the world but instead about teaching an ethical way of life and Christian values. To this end, he promoted the study of theology and ecclesiastical law, and discouraged the teaching of traditional sciences. Charlemagne meticulously maintained the school curriculum and even compiled textbooks and calligraphy anthologies.
Under Charlemagne’s rule, religious teachers taught subjects specific to Christian faith, such as the Bible, liturgy, liturgical music, and ethical texts. They also taught other subjects such as arithmetic, geometry, medicine, and astronomy, but always within a Christian framework. Students were expected to memorize certain biblical passages and grasp the basic principles of scripture.
Charlemagne was well aware of the power a religious education could have in instilling Christian values and displaying a devotion to the church. He even made church attendance mandatory several days a week. By combining a standard school program with religious lessons and rituals, Charlemagne was able to further introduce Christianity to the broader populace.
Architecture
When it comes to Charlemagne’s contribution to the promotion of Christianity, it is hard to ignore his patronage of the arts and architecture. Charlemagne was very keen to visibly display his devotion to the religion in his domains. To this end he commissioned numerous churches, cathedrals, and monasteries, many of which still stand today. He was also aware of the power of iconic images, commissioning carvings and portraits of religious figures to be displayed in churches and other prominent locations throughout his kingdom.
Charlemagne was also instrumental in reviving and restoring many older churches and cathedrals in need of renovation. This, in turn, gave these churches a renewed relevance, as the reinstated structures became symbols of the new, Christian Europe.
The architecture built under Charlemagne’s rule was a strong signal of his faith and commitment to Christianity. Visible symbols of religion were used to both spread the Christian message and to legitimize Charlemagne’s rule. In this way, architecture played an important role in Charlemagne’s efforts to promote Christianity.
Liturgy
Charlemagne was also a key figure in the shaping and advancing of the Christian liturgy. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Christian churches had become relegated to mostly rural areas, where their rituals and practices had gone relatively unchanged. During Charlemagne’s reign, however, many new churches and monasteries were built and given influence and prominence, often in direct relation to Charlemagne’s religious wishes.
Charlemagne employed his very own court musicians to develop the liturgy and music of the church. He ordered the compilation of a book of Gregorian chants, which were sung at the weekly Church services.Along with the introduction of new chants and hymns, Charlemagne also enforced the use of new words and gestures, such as turning toward the east and clasping hands, which were adopted by the churches throughout Europe.
Under his rule, Charlemagne also made a concerted effort to unite the Christian churches and create a standard religion across Europe. To this end, he encouraged the implementation of the Latin language and the practice of communion. Charlemagne even sent out his own missionaries to areas where Christianity was not yet prevalent.
Political Legacy
Through his successful campaigns and strong governance, Charlemagne was able to unite Europe and create the first major Christian superpower in the world. Though he was a secular ruler, Charlemagne’s Christian faith was deeply embedded in his beliefs, and he used his power to spread the faith to all corners of his kingdom.
In the words of Pope Leo III, “God granted to Charles the unique distinction of being recognized as the father of his people… and as the supreme defender of the Christian faith”. At the same time, it was not only through Charlemagne’s religion that he created a united Europe. He also aided in the growth of trade and economy, standardized weights and measurements, improved living conditions, and continued Emperor Constantine’s policy of religious tolerance.
Charlamagne’s success in unifying Europe and promoting Christianity was viewed as an achievement unparalleled in his time. His commitment to his beliefs was strengthened by his personal piety and confidence in God’s will, paving the way for Christian Europe that would carry on to this day.
Written Records
The impact of Charlemagne’s efforts to promote Christianity can be seen in the written records of the time. Numerous scholars, theologians, poets, and bishops wrote of Charlemagne’s Christian faith in their works, largely publicized thanks to Charlamagne’s patronage. Accounts of Charlemagne’s visits to churches, his enthusiasm for Christian teaching, and his unwavering commitment to piety were regularly expounded in books and documents.
Not only did Christian leaders write of Charlemagne’s religious efforts but even his enemies had to admit to his commitment. Arabic chroniclers of the time reported that Charlamagne “always fasted”, “was ever occupied with the concerns of religion and the Church”, and “invited to his court many learned ecclesiastics, ecclesiastics of every rank and of both sexes”. These descriptions illustrate the pervasive nature of Charlemagne’s commitment to his faith.
In sum, Charlemagne’s contributions to spreading Christianity were immense and certainly had a lasting impact on his empire. Not only did Charlemagne use his power and authority to spread the faith but he also used religious teaching and piety to ensure the faith spread around his domain.
Social Change
Charlemagne’s promotion of Christianity not only had an influence on the spiritual life of his subjects but also changed the social and political dimensions of the day. During his reign, the religion gave hope and guidance to those living in a tumultuous and often violent part of the world. The churches, built and renovated under Charlemagne’s rule, provided the opportunity for individuals to develop deeper relationships with God, allowing them to find solace in his protective embrace.
On top of this, the spread of Christianity into Europe also ushered in social reforms which had a lasting effect on the societies of the time. Charlemagne outlawed and sought to actively eradicate some of the more barbarous practices of the time, such as slavery and torture. This improved the quality of life for many of his subjects, providing them with a more secure and civilised life the under rule of their king.
Through his rule and promotion of Christianity, Charlemagne tore down the walls of ignorance and fear which had previously existed in his lands. This allowed his people to experience the richness of their common faith, befitting the spirit of their new Europe.
