Justification of the Church

“The Justification of the Church: Religion used to uphold social justifications”



The Middle Ages of Europe are generally considered to be from 5th century AD to 16th century AD, lasting roughly a millennium, commonly dated for the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the beginning of the Early Modern Period. In this millennium, many important events have changed Europe, such as the humanism rise of the Renaissance and the Protestant reformations, and the aftereffects of those.

The fall of the Roman Empire caused the loss of major cultural achievements, from science to math to the arts. However, this slowly changed as the Italian Renaissance was restored. Many of the arts lost from the Roman Empire were restored, and philosophical thinking was somewhat restored. These philosophical thinkings included in how humanity should live, the role of the government and how it should act, abstract art and thinking, and scientific achievements.

The Catholic Church has always been a major influence on all aspects of the peasants’ lives, rising forward from the chaos that ruled since the Roman Empire fell. They gave people hope in a better life, allowing the Church to gain authority and power. Dante Alighieri wrote a book that gave artistry and ideas on Hell, which the church used to gain power among the people.

Various leaders during this time have credited and helped the church, such as Charlemagne. Charlemagne has allowed for the Carolingian Renaissance to come. His acts have often helped in the revival of the arts and sciences, and in the empowerment of the Church.

Many people, though have rebelled against the church. Martin Luther, a German monk, has found flaw with the Catholic Church, with such practices as indulgences, where pardons are bought from the Church. With his writing, The 95 Theses, he went against the church, trying to reform it. Escaping the prosecution of the Church, he used the new invention, the printing press,...