The Most Powerful Institution of Medieval Europe: the Roman Catholic Church

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In medieval society, the Christian Church, or more specifically, the Roman Catholic Church dominated all aspects of medieval life in Europe. Through various methods, the Church was able to spread its religious teachings to people all throughout Europe. Because the Church prophesized that practicing their “true religion” was the only way to save one’s soul, the Church was easily able to control a great many people. The Church was so powerful that even the rulers of various states in Europe followed under its lead. It is apparent that these rulers, similar to the remaining populace regarded the Church as their superior, and did so with good reason- this religious institution was both very wealthy and omnipotent, making it a force to be reckoned with. Although the Christian Church started off with humble beginnings, it eventually became the most widespread religion in most of Europe during medieval times. In this era, if it were not for various Frankish rulers this result could not have been attained, as the rulers strongly supported the teachings of Christianity. Charlemagne, a French sovereign helped the Church organize rural Christian districts, each with their own priests. In doing so, the once urban religion was able to reach inhabitants of the countryside. Christianity was spread all over Europe by missionaries, who risked their lives in order to convert all people to the one “true” religion. Religion soon became an extremely important aspect in medieval people’s lives. In a time when life was dismal and held little promise for the average medieval person, the Church was both a beacon of hope and a spiritual guide. It lead a Christian’s life through rituals such as baptisms, confession and absolution, confirmations, Eucharist, and, when they died, it buried them and conducted prayers for their souls. Christians took their faith very seriously because the

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