La cultura en el bajo clero: una primera aproximación

Abstract

The knowledge of this topic is limited at the moment by the lack of studies on parishes of the Middle Ages and also by the reduced number of sources. In fact, the documents available talk more about the concern of the society and the lay and ecclesiastical powers to raise the cultural level of the clergy of that group. The first ecclesiastical arrangements start at the IV Council of Latran and get strength in the Peninsula since the council lead by a legate in 1228 and, above all, during that of 1332. During both, and in many others chat follow the same path, it is decided to celebrate provincial synods to raise the education of the clergy. Not all the bishops celebrated them and their efficiency was very limited. Nevertheless, the number of basic schools for the poorest clergy of some dioceses was implemented and the figure of the master of school is reenforced. As far as the monarchy is referred, we can only observe a clear concern in the measures taken by Juan I who had as collaborators some of the most famous reformist bishops. The complaints of the third state about moral and intellectual deficiencies of the clergy, are centred on the denunciation of the proliferation of «false clerics». The latter were illiterate members of the low clergy who only shared the external appearances of the clergy.