Question

Explain the following statement with reasons:

In the pre-renaissance period, the Catholic Church controlled the individual life of the people. 

Answer 1

• During the pre-Renaissance period, the Catholic Church had complete control over the lives of individuals in Europe. It influenced religious, social, political, and economic aspects of society.
• The Church dictated religious beliefs and moral values, and people were expected to follow its teachings. Any opposition was considered heresy and was strictly punished. It also controlled education, as most schools and books were under Church authority, limiting access to knowledge.
• Politically, the Church influenced kings and rulers and had the power to excommunicate those who disobeyed its authority. It also had strong economic control by collecting taxes (tithes) and owning large amounts of land. The practice of selling indulgences further increased its power.
• Thus, in the pre-Renaissance period, the Catholic Church played a dominant role in individual lives, shaping mediaeval European society.