Economic Life

Brown, A.T.

Abstract

This chapter explores the role played by the Church in the economic life of medieval Europe, both as a major landowner and a moral instructor. As such, it shows the diverse economic interests of the Church, from the old and wealthy Benedictine foundations to the newer organisation of the Cistercians. The pervasive role played by the Church in the economic life of medieval Europe often gave rise to resentment and conflict, which is explored in further detail here. However, this must be set against both the considerable expenses the Church incurred during this period, as well as the economic problems many religious institutions were experiencing. The Church also played a major role in the development of economic thought in medieval Europe, most notably in the usury laws and the concept of the just price. These laws, and the attempt by people to evade them, shaped the development of international finance and banking across this period. Whether through its collection of rent, arrears and tithe, or through the moral instruction of canon law, this chapter demonstrates the pervasive role played by the Church in the economic development of medieval Europe.

Citation

Brown, A. (2015). Economic Life. In R. Swanson (Ed.), The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity, 1050-1500 (295-308). Routledge

• Acceptance Date: Nov 30, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Jan 30, 2015
• Publication Date: 2015
• Deposit Date: Aug 20, 2013
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 295-308
• Book Title: The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity, 1050-1500
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1675810
• Publisher URL: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415660143/