During the Dark Ages, which group was typically denied a Christian burial in a church cemetery?

During the Dark Ages, individuals who took their own lives were often denied a Christian burial in a church cemetery. This was largely due to the prevailing beliefs about suicide being a sin. The church held the view that taking one's own life was an act of despair and thus placed individuals who died by suicide outside the grace of God. Consequently, they were often buried in unconsecrated ground, reflecting the harsh attitudes of society toward suicide at that time.

The church burial practices stemmed from the emphasis on salvation and the sacrament of baptism, which were seen as essential for a proper Christian burial. This led to the exclusion of suicides from traditional burials, as it was believed their actions would prevent them from receiving the full benefits of Christian salvation.

The other groups listed, such as children, thieves, and unbaptized individuals, faced different circumstances regarding burial. While unbaptized individuals might also have difficulties receiving a Christian burial, it was primarily those who committed suicide who were categorically denied this sacred right. This illustrates the harsh moral and theological boundaries implemented during the Dark Ages concerning who was considered worthy of a burial within sacred grounds.