Final answer:
Christianity spread through Europe during the early Middle Ages due to the efforts of Christian missionaries reshaping pagan practices, the support of secular rulers, and the church's efforts to create a unified narrative of Christian identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Firstly, Christian missionaries played a crucial role in spreading the faith. They sought to subtly reshape pagan practices rather than eradicate them, making it easier for people to accept Christianity.
Additionally, the support of secular rulers, such as the Franks, helped facilitate the spread of Christianity.
During this period, Christianity was a proselytizing religion, with leaders actively working to convert others. The dissemination of religious knowledge, the construction of a single agreed-upon narrative of Christian identity, and the ongoing participation of the community were instrumental in its spread.
As a result of both voluntary conversions and forced conversions through military force, Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe by the eleventh century.
The church's ability to provide spiritual guidance and a sense of community also contributed to its spread. Unlike the fragmented political landscape of feudal lords, the church offered a more unified and accessible presence in people's lives, further reinforcing its influence.