Affect on Church during middle ages

The essay is designed to encourage you to critically reflect upon the lectures and the Cory text. Thoughtful, organized answers are expected. The student’s grade will be determined on the basis of four criteria: clarity of expression, critical reflection, persuasive presentation and thorough coverage of topic.

What social or political factors (don’t confuse what is going on inside the church with social or political factors) affected Christianity in the Middle Ages? What impact did these external factors have upon the Church? What do these factors tell us about the relationship between Christianity and culture? What factors might be influencing Christianity in America today?