The church had great power over people during the middle ages because it:
A. protected them in times of war
B. provided them with education
C. decided who could achieve salvation
d. controlled food production
With it's own laws, lands and taxes The Catholic church was a very powerful institution which had its own laws and lands. The Catholic Church also imposed taxes. In addition to collecting taxes, the Church also accepted gifts of all kinds from individuals who wanted special favors or wanted to be certain of a place in heaven. The power of the Catholic Church grew with its wealth. The Catholic Church was then able to influence the kings and rulers of Europe. Opposition to the Catholic Church would result in excommunication. This meant that the person who was excommunicated could not attend any church services, receive the sacraments and would go straight to hell when they died. >>
C is the best answer, but it is woefully incomplete.
I agree. its C.
C. decided who could achieve salvation.
During the Middle Ages, the church had great power over people because it determined who could achieve salvation. The church taught that salvation could only be attained through following its teachings and sacraments, such as baptism and confession, which were administered by the clergy. As a result, the church had control over people's spiritual well-being and salvation, creating a sense of dependency and obedience to the church's authority.
The correct answer is C. The church had great power over people during the Middle Ages because it decided who could achieve salvation.
To arrive at this answer, we can examine the role of the church in medieval society.
During the Middle Ages, the church, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, held significant influence over the lives of people. Here's how:
1. Deciding Salvation: The church held the belief that it had the authority to decide who could attain salvation. It controlled access to the sacraments, such as baptism, confession, and communion, which were considered necessary for salvation. By controlling religious rituals and doctrines, the church enforced its influence over people, making them reliant on its teachings for salvation and eternal life.
2. Religious Authority: The church was the central religious authority during this era. It interpreted and disseminated religious texts, such as the Bible, to the masses. The clergy held immense knowledge and acted as intermediaries between people and God. The church's authority in matters of faith and doctrine allowed it to dictate the religious beliefs and practices of the population, further consolidating its power.
3. Social and Political Power: The church's influence extended beyond the spiritual realm. It held significant control over social and political affairs. Church officials often had close ties with the ruling monarchs, advising them on matters of governance and playing a pivotal role in the feudal system. The church owned vast amounts of land and enjoyed considerable wealth. This made it a formidable force in both religious and secular matters.
While options A (protected them in times of war), B (provided them with education), and D (controlled food production) did play a part, they were not the primary reasons for the church's great power during the Middle Ages.
A. While the church did offer some protection to individuals during times of war, its primary focus was on spiritual matters rather than military defense.
B. The church did play a crucial role in education during the Middle Ages, establishing schools and monastic centers of learning. However, education was limited to the clergy, nobility, and a small portion of the population. The vast majority of people did not have access to formal education provided by the church.
D. The church did not directly control food production during the Middle Ages. Agricultural matters were predominantly handled by feudal lords and the peasants who worked the land.
Therefore, option C, the church deciding who could achieve salvation, is the most accurate and significant reason for its great power over people during the Middle Ages.