Question In 3–4 sentences, briefly compare the role of the Church in Europe during feudalism in the Middle Ages to its role politically, socially, and economically during the Renaissance.(2 points)

Answer 1

During feudalism in the Middle Ages, the Church played a central role in Europe as a dominant political and social authority, wielding power over kings and influencing societal norms through teachings, while also regulating daily life through religious laws and practices. In contrast, during the Renaissance, the Church's political power began to wane as the rise of humanism and individualism encouraged secularism and questioned religious authority, leading to conflicts like the Reformation. Socially, the Renaissance fostered a cultural revival that encouraged scientific inquiry and artistic expression, which sometimes challenged the Church's teachings. Economically, the Church's influence persisted through its substantial land holdings and wealth, but growing trade and the emergence of a middle class began to shift economic power away from ecclesiastical institutions.