How did the Church gain secular power? (1 point) Responses Monks forced massive numbers of people to convert through fear of punishment. Monks forced massive numbers of people to convert through fear of punishment. Canon law established secular courts under the control of the Church. Canon law established secular courts under the control of the Church. The Church issued interdicts, laws passed by the Church regardless of secular law. The Church issued interdicts, laws passed by the Church regardless of secular law. The Church's power to deny the sacraments gave the Church power over Christians.

Answer 1

The Church's power to deny the sacraments gave the Church power over Christians. This ability allowed the Church to influence the lives of individuals and communities by controlling access to eternal salvation, thus establishing a significant degree of secular power.