What was the lasting effect of the Roman Catholic Church becoming the official church of the Roman Empire?
History · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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The lasting effect of the Roman Catholic Church becoming the official church of the Roman Empire was multifaceted and profound, impacting religious, cultural, political, and social aspects of Europe for centuries to come.
1. Establishment of Christianity as a Dominant Religion: By becoming the official state religion, Christianity spread rapidly throughout the empire, marginalizing or absorbing other religions and practices. This led to the widespread adoption of Christian beliefs and values in the regions under Roman rule.
2. Centralized Authority: The recognition of the church as an official institution allowed it to develop a structured hierarchy with the pope at the top. This centralized authority helped unify the church and allowed it to wield significant influence, not just in religious matters but in political affairs as well.
3. Cultural and Educational Influence: The church became a preserver of knowledge, particularly after the Western Roman Empire fell. Monasteries and church-run schools were primary centers for learning, preserving Latin literature and advancing education.
4. Influence on Law and Governance: Canon law, the law of the church, began to develop in earnest and had significant influence on the development of civil law in many European territories.
5. Architectural and Artistic Legacy: With the church's wealth and status, great cathedrals were built, and art commissioned, leading to a lasting legacy in architecture and art that continues to be appreciated today.
6. Socio-Political Conflicts and Division: The intertwining of the church and state also led to conflict, such as power struggles between emperors and popes, and the eventual division between Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) Christian traditions.
7. Spread of Christianity Beyond Europe: As European nations colonized other parts of the world, they took Christianity with them, expanding its influence to the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
The impact of the Roman Catholic Church's official status is deeply embedded in the history of the Western world and remains influential in present-day religious and cultural practices.