Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In Europe, churches were considered independent from the state and thus they did not have to pay taxes. As a result of this, many church officials grew rich. Additionally the church often received plots of land from the wealthy. As time passed, the church controlled over 1/3 to 1/4 of Europe's land. The church also spewed lies to people, like telling others that the church was the only way to go to heaven. By doing this, many people were indoctrinated to the fact that they had to attend the church and do as the church bids. This gave the church a lot of control as well. People who spoke out were branded heretics and were either excommunicated or executed making it hard for any change to occur.