The Political Economy of the Medieval Church
Robert B. Ekelund|Robert F. Hébert|Robert D. Tollison
The exact starting and ending dates of the Middle Ages may be difficult to specify, but historians are virtually unanimous that period, however demarcated, represented high tide Christianity in Western Europe. Medieval Europe provides an interesting case study, not only religion politics, overlap between them, which was far greater medieval society than it is today. Roman Catholic Church, as economic political entity, attempted accomplish its otherworldly goals this world by acquiring power influence. Most large corporations need access capital markets grow prosper. Church no exception, constrained own admonitions against “laying up earthly treasure” “serving Mammon instead God.” This article discusses economy focusing on response Crusades also considering purgatory, indulgences, Protestant Reformation, well marriage a sacrament.