Final answer:
Religion and politics were highly intertwined between 600 and 1450, with secular leaders often relying on religious legitimacy, and religious movements, such as the Protestant Reformation, influencing political decisions. Religion played a key role in societal structure and was used to justify political power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The interaction between religion and politics witnessed during the era ca. 600-ca. 1450 was highly intertwined. Secular leaders in England and France, for example, relied on their connection to the Roman Catholic Church for legitimacy. The Renaissance and the practices of the church, including clerical immorality, ignorance, and absenteeism, catalyzed the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther's actions not only had spiritual ramifications but also significant political consequences. The Reformation affected the political landscape as different regions chose to be Protestant or remain Catholic, often based on political motivation as much as on faith. Furthermore, religion was integral to political and societal structures, and the church was a key player in keeping classical knowledge alive, evident in medieval Europe where monarchies used Christianity to justify their rule.
During this period, states often faced challenges to their stability from internal and external forces, and religious cohesion or conflict played a part in these dynamics. There were instances of religious tolerance, where diverse faiths coexisted, often depending on political climates and leadership, while at other times, religious divisions caused significant strife. These complex relationships showcase that religious and political spheres influenced each other deeply during this era.