Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Anglo-Saxon England

Presentation Type

Oral and/or Visual Presentation

Presenter Major(s)

History

Mentor Information

Alice Chapman

Department

History

Location

Kirkhof Center 2263

Start Date

11-4-2012 1:00 PM

Keywords

Historical Perspectives

Abstract

This work examines the religious and political issues surrounding the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons in the late 6th century. It focuses on the political motivations behind Gregory the Great's decision to Christianize the Anglo-Saxon people and the interplay between the major political rulers of Europe with the Roman Catholic Church. I argue that political support of Gregory the Great's mission by key secular leaders shows a connection between the church and state in the early Middle Ages. This paper will argue that the conversion to Christianity was accomplished through non-violent means and accepted through the use of assimilated theology and selective acceptance of some pagan beliefs. Archaeological evidence will highlight comparisons between pagan theology and Christian dogma, shown through the evolution of funerary practices from pagan England to a newly Christianized England, in order to highlight the progression and proposed acceptance of the new religion.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 11th, 1:00 PM

Gregory the Great and the Conversion of Anglo-Saxon England

Kirkhof Center 2263

This work examines the religious and political issues surrounding the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons in the late 6th century. It focuses on the political motivations behind Gregory the Great's decision to Christianize the Anglo-Saxon people and the interplay between the major political rulers of Europe with the Roman Catholic Church. I argue that political support of Gregory the Great's mission by key secular leaders shows a connection between the church and state in the early Middle Ages. This paper will argue that the conversion to Christianity was accomplished through non-violent means and accepted through the use of assimilated theology and selective acceptance of some pagan beliefs. Archaeological evidence will highlight comparisons between pagan theology and Christian dogma, shown through the evolution of funerary practices from pagan England to a newly Christianized England, in order to highlight the progression and proposed acceptance of the new religion.