Orange and Middle Ages

The Synod of Orange AD 529
 Semi-Augustinian position on sin and grace
(clearly rejects Pelagianism but also does not
embrace Augustinian thought)
 Helps set the stage for the sacramentalism of
the Middle Ages
o Note that sin is portrayed as a “serious
weakness”
o Sinners need the “assistance” of the Holy
Spirit
o Grace restores “what was lost” in the fall
 Contrast to Luther and the Protestant
Reformation
The Fourth Lateran Council AD 1215
 Greatest of the medieval councils, called to
regain the Holy Land and reform the church
 Canon I
o Note the language: Christ “showed the
way to life with greater clarity”
o No salvation outside the church
o Emphasis on sacraments
 Canon XXI
o Sets out minimum requirements
o Confession

o Eucharist
o Solemn duties of priests
The Council of Florence AD 1438-45
 Called to deal with the division between
Eastern and Western Churches
 Focus on the sacraments
o Seven sacraments carry the believer from
cradle to grave and beyond:
 Baptism removes original sin
 Confirmation strengths faith
 Eucharist provides ongoing grace
 Penance removes sins
 Extreme unction or “last rites” heals
soul and sometimes body
 Orders provide grace to those in
church service
 Marriage as sacrament provides
grace for growth of church
o Sacraments of New Testament are
different for those of the Old
 Old Testament “sacraments” did not
cause grace, but foreshadowed it
 New Testament sacraments dispense
grace

o Three things needed to have a valid
sacrament:
 The “things,” such as bread and wine
 A properly ordained person
 The right intent
o Distinction within the sacraments:
 Three are not to be repeated:
baptism, confirmation, orders
 Four may be receive more than once:
eucharist, penance, extreme unction,
marriage (in case of death of partner)