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How was the Medieval concept of power and equality different from our contemporary concept?

The Medieval concept of power and equality was drastically different from our modern beliefs on equality. In their society, it was nearly impossible to rise out of serfdom and into a higher social class. The serfs in the Medieval ages were treated very poorly. The Council of Worms said "If any woman incensed by a fit of jealousy should beat her slave, so that within three days she [the slave] should die in torment" (Council of Worms). This shows the little worth that a slave had compared to their owners. Religion played a role in this. One law said "Jews should not be allowed to have Christian slaves nor to buy Christian slaves, nor to obtain them by the kindness of any one; for it is not right that the members of Christ should serve the ministers of Anti-Christ. But if henceforward Jews presume to have Christian slaves or handmaidens they shall be taken from their domination and shall go free" (Fourth Council of Toledo).

In modern society, if anyone is killed then the murder is punished. Also, no one is restricted from anything based on their religion. The Fifteenth Amendment in the Constitution of the United States says "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude," (The Constitution). This means that no one will be denied the right to vote based on the color of their skin or their race. Contemporary views see everyone as being equal, while back in Medieval times, the serfs were treated with much less respect than their owners. It is also not as difficult to rise in social classes. In America, if a person works hard, then he or she will eventually be rewarded with money or a promotion.

"Medieval Sourcebook: Fourth Council of Toledo: On the Keeping of Slaves, 633." FORDHAM.EDU. Web. 14 Apr.

2010. .

"Medieval Sourcebook: Council of Worms: On the Murder of Slaves, 876." FORDHAM.EDU. Web. 14 Apr. 2010.

"The United States Constitution - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net." Index Page - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net. Web. 19 Apr. 2010. .