Question

Why did prejudice increase at the time of the Black Death?

What factors account for the difference between the views of Christian leaders and Christian masses?

Why do Aquinas and Pope Gregory oppose prejudicial action against Jews?

Answer 1

Prejudice increased during the Black Death due to scapegoating. Christian leaders and masses had different views because of their priorities. Aquinas and Pope Gregory opposed prejudicial action against Jews based on principles of justice and compassion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Black Death, a bubonic plague pandemic that struck Europe in the 14th century, led to an increase in prejudice. People believed that the plague was a sign of God's displeasure and sought scapegoats to blame, often targeting Jewish communities. The Christian Church leaders had a different view from the Christian masses because they were concerned with maintaining their authority and appeasing God's anger, while the masses were more focused on their own salvation and the church's inability to control the plague.

Thomas Aquinas and Pope Gregory opposed prejudicial action against Jews. Aquinas argued that Jews should be treated with justice and compassion, whereas Pope Gregory condemned the violent persecution of Jews and emphasized the importance of Christian virtues. They believed in the principles of love, mercy, and justice, and recognized that prejudicial actions went against these principles.

Answer 2

1) Prejudice increased at the time of the Black Death because it was an example of superstition made up by those who was really into religion. Many people believed that this disease was a punishment that God sent to sinful people. At that time, Jews were blamed and tortured, and some of them could not help themselves and lied that they poisoned the water wells, just to save their lives.
2) The factor which account for the difference between the views of Christian leaders and Christian masses is that the Catholic Church is assured that the Mass is the same as the sacrifice which was offered by Jesus Christ. Christian leaders do not consider masses to be that significant as they are more pragmatic in that way.
3) Aquinas and Pope Gregory oppose prejudicial action against Jews because they have a belief that Jews deserved exactly the same treatment & equality as others including Christians & Muslims. Unlike those who supported all the prejudicial actions towards Jews, Pope Gregory and Aquinas had very progressive views which, of course, had influenced the decadence of prejudice.