Student Question
How did attitudes towards the Catholic Church change in the late Middle Ages?
Quick answer:
In the late Middle Ages, attitudes towards the Catholic Church shifted as its influence waned due to factors like the Black Plague, internal conflicts, and a revived interest in classical literature. Growing literacy allowed people to explore alternative philosophies, leading to challenges against Church practices and theology. The fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire further weakened Church unity, opening new paths for Europeans and creating challenges for the Church to maintain its relevance.
During the late Middle Ages, the influence of the Catholic Church began to dwindle. Many factors included the Black Plague, internal conflicts, and a renewed interest in Greek and Roman literature. People became less reliant on the Church, with some challenging the practices and theology.
Because of the growing literacy that wasn't directly connected to Catholic doctrine, those who were discontent with the Church could now read about other philosophies and gravitate to what resonated the most with them. With the Holy Roman Empire divided, there was no unifying power that could keep each country together. Although the Catholic tradition wasn't completely abandoned, alternate paths began to open for the populace. As Europe was progressing towards a new age, the Church would have many difficulties to face as it struggled to maintain its relevance.
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