The Church: religious power and influence; Church doctrine, teachings and belief; the sacraments, salvation, the role of the priest and of 'good works'
The Catholic Church taught that priests and specific rituals controlled access to salvation — the promise of heaven after death. Ordinary people depended entirely on the Church to reach God.
Real World
The Church's monopoly over salvation was structurally similar to a modern monopoly utility provider — if the Church withheld the sacraments through excommunication, a person was effectively cut off from eternal life with no alternative supplier.
Exam Focus
Name specific sacraments and explain their function; vague references to 'rituals' rarely access the top mark band.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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