Event Title
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.
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.