The contribution of Relics and Paintings of Santa Sanctorum to Religious practices in the 13th century, Basilical of Saint John lateran church, Rome

Abstract

This thesis primarily focuses on relics and paintings and their effect to the 13th century Christian believers. The saint cult and the veneration of relics dates back to the third-century. It developed and became a fully-fledged culture among the early followers of Jesus. Generally, relics had gained a high profile among the believing community because of the supernatural influences they were believed to have for and in the life of a believer who possessed and kind of relics. These relics were classified in mainly three groups though other researchers mention of four. They became powerful objects drawing Christian to their beliefs that these objects possessed a divine power that many witnessed and gave accounts of testimonies. They gained a higher level of veneration. The hunt for relics during the period under discussion also increased so much that discussing the growth of Christianity and its day to day practices would be incomplete if the contributions relics and paintings were to be ignored. This thesis intends to find, review, discuss, and present the findings on: “The Contribution of Relics and Paintings of Sancta Sanctorum to Religious Practices in the 13th Century, Basilica of Saint John Lateran Church, Rome.” The research has developed through literature review and vigorous textual analysis. The conclusion is that: both relics and paintings gave out almost the same functions, though to some extent, those who possessed them viewed them with equity gap(s). They were and still remained instrument in follower’s lives and drawing them to a divine power to meet their desires.