Everyman

In the story God speaks about how sin has affected everyone and caused them to forget about his sacrifice. God gets Death to go to Everyman and tell him there will be a final reckoning. Through the story of Everyman the Biblical principle, that every person will have to face a final judgment, is presented. It is important that Everyman keeps the end in mind. Another Biblical truth is seen when Everyman meets with Goods and Good Deeds. Neither of whom can make the trip with him- meaning that no possessions or good works will crossover into the afterlife. There is no need to save up riches on earth but there is no use. Everyman learns from Confession another and most important principle, that he must confess and says "Wash from me the spots of vice unclean, that on me no sin may be seen". The main ideas of “Everyman” actually seem to be Catholic. Knowledge tells Everyman to go the Priest and receive “the holy sacrament and ointment”. To most Catholics the priest is the “go to guy” who sits in between man and God. Everyman could not enter heaven without first receiving these sacraments from the priest. Everyman’s belief that good deeds could get him into heaven is also an idea that man Catholics hold to.

In 1495, the date "Everyman" was written, the Catholic church was still growing more and more powerful. It controlled every aspect of living for those in England. A person was either with the Catholic church or against it. Those who went against the church were heretics and often times received terrible punishments. The Spanish Inquisition (1478) was only one attempt to rid those who were against it- burning thousands at the stake. Everyday life and morals were built under the beliefs of the Catholics. People seemed to almost be brainwashed into only believing the Catholic church. They were taught that they must go through the priest to get to heaven- an idea expressed in "Everyman". An abundance of money was given to the church and despite all of its absurdities no one knew any other way of life. The system was corrupt but there was little anyone could do. I do not believe that the story of "Everyman" is very far off from what some people, specifically Catholic's, believe today. Many Catholics still think that they must go though the priest and confess to him. The priest is given a high or sacred position just like in the story. Outside of Catholicism - the idea that good works can get a person to heaven - is sadly an idea of many today. Some also think that all the riches they accumulate on earth will go with them when they die. Christians even sometimes forget that we are supposed to be concerned with heavenly, not earthly treasure. I really enjoyed the story of "Everyman" and I think that great lessons can be learned from it.