Question

List at least three examples of the way the Christian church exercised authority, influenced daily life, and offered hope in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Answer 1

Three examples of the way the Christian church exercised authority are:

- owning the most property in Europe

- requiring people to go to church

- managing the legal system

Three examples of the way the Christian Church influenced daily life are:

- directing the creation of contracts and wills

- collecting donations for cathedrals

- educating and instructing

Three examples of the way the Christian Church offered hope in Europe during the Middle Ages are:

- demonstrating the possibility of redemption

- showing to the individuals that they can repent and receive forgiveness

- giving them spiritual guidance

Answer 2

The church exercised authority by:
being the largest landowner in Europe
requiring people to attend church services
making laws and controlling the legal system

The church influenced daily life by:
making and enforcing laws of marriage
overseeing the writing of wills and contracts
requiring people to perform penance for misdeeds
collecting donations for cathedrals
teaching and educating

The church offered hope to Europeans by:
teaching that salvation was possible
offering people a chance to confess their sins and be forgiven