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The church also had a strong influence on art and architecture. Cathedrals were incredible works of art, using Gothic architecture. Medieval churches were also filled with religious objects to show their respect to God. The books which monks had to copy, and that were used in religious ceremonies were beautiful objects that were decorated using bright colors.

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Europe's first universities were created because others wanted to learn more about the world. Most teachers in theses schools were members of the clergy, who taught religion, law, medicine, astronomy,and other courses. Thomas Aquinas, a teacher at a university argues that rational thought could be used to support Christian beliefs. He also believed that God created natural law, in which a law that governed how the world work.

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Many people in the Middle Ages were encouraged to take pilgrimages to where Jesus had lived. Another popular destination for pilgrimages was Canterbury. Also during the Middle Ages the Church gained political power.

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The French Monks that were unhappy with the political nature of the church started a monastery in Cluny. They followed strict rules and paid most attention to religious matters. Since people didn't want to live apart from the society two new religions were made by, Dominic de Guzman and Francis of Assisi. They were not monks but Friars.