The Negative Influence Of The Catholic Church In Medieval Europe

The Catholic Church played a main role in Europe during medieval times as it had complete power and dominance over the people living during this period. The Church was made up of an elaborate hierarchy of bishops, priests, deacons and clergy. It was considered the centre of medieval life as it was the centre of the community. This is known because nearly every village or town had a church or cathedral as they were used for worship, meetings, festivals and nearly all town activity was centred around them.

During this period everybody believed that Heaven, Hell and God existed as this is what they were taught from a young age by the principle people working within the Church. They were advised during weekly services about such things. Fear was built about their souls being sent to hell. They were told that the only way a person could get into heaven was through the permission of the Catholic Church. This controlled the people with mental fear and
It established good social behaviour, economic growth and later universities and hospitals. Peopled looked to the church for entertainment, education, and refuge. But it also provided a sense of hope to people that were struggling as they believed god was there listening to their prayers and that help would come to those who wait.

There were also some negative effects of the control of the Catholic church had at this time. It took control of the citizens lives not just mentally but also physically. The people believed they had to obey the ways of the Church or face hell. They had to work for free for the church jeopardizing their own lively hoods. The church also demanded people to pay up 10% of what they earned calling this tax “the Tithes.” During this time, they could pay this in either money or by goods such as seeds, grains and animals. This often would cause them great hardship as they were putting themselves second to the