Final answer:
The Church influenced people during the Middle Ages through spiritual guidance, social influence, and educational and cultural impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Middle Ages, the Church had a significant impact on the lives of people in several ways.
- Spiritual Guidance: The Church played a central role in providing spiritual guidance and support to individuals through sacraments, preaching, and religious rituals. It shaped people's beliefs, morals, and values, and governed their spiritual lives.
- Social Influence: The Church also exerted social influence by establishing a hierarchical structure that governed the feudal system. It had immense wealth and power, influencing political decisions and controlling land and resources.
- Educational and Cultural Influence: The Church was the primary source of education during this period. Monasteries and cathedral schools provided education and preserved ancient knowledge. The Church also influenced art, architecture, literature, and music, creating a distinctive medieval culture.
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