Why was the Catholic church such a powerful influence in lay people's lives during the middle ages?

Answer 1

because it was the best source for education, literature, art, and overall community.

and to mention that most people were religious before the "age of reason"
and in the middle ages there was no Protestant church, so everyone was catholic. A monopoly, if you will


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Answer 2

Because during the middle ages, the Church was supported by military might.

Answer 3

the church back then was very powerful, and they wanted to keep people ignorant so they wouldn't know the truth. That's why they also call the Middle Ages the Dark Ages.

Answer 4

Because church and state were pretty much the same thing at that time.

They controlled practically everything, they had all the money and power, they decided what version of the Bible people heard at church, they owned a huge amount of land...they were it. Dissenters weren't really tolerated.

When you control everything, you have a pretty powerful influence.

Answer 5

Because the church was pretty much the government then. If you disagreed publicly with the church you could be put to death.

Answer 6

because people suffered and died and it was the only thing that made any sense out of it. Today we are spoiled and we find out too late about the suffering and the dieing so we have to be ready before it happens

Answer 7

Because it was illegal to do or say anything against the Church - the punishment was death.

Answer 8

religions can be used to Controll Others