Final answer:
Church officials held great power in feudal society because "They had great power because they influenced people’s actions". Option 3 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In medieval feudal society, church officials wielded significant influence despite not directly owning land or commanding knights. Their power stemmed from their control over religious doctrine and ceremonies, allowing them to guide and shape the beliefs and behaviors of the populace. The church served as a moral compass, dictating societal norms and values, thereby influencing people's actions, decisions, and even politics.
Moreover, church officials were often literate in a largely illiterate society, allowing them to control education and disseminate knowledge through religious teachings. This control over education empowered the Church to perpetuate its influence across generations.
The church's ability to excommunicate individuals or rulers, essentially cutting them off from religious sacraments and salvation, further solidified its authority. Thus, despite lacking land or knights, church officials held immense power through their ability to sway the thoughts and actions of the people.
Correct Option: They had great power because they influenced people’s actions (Option 3)
Complete question:
Which statement best describes the role of church officials in feudal society?
- They had little power because they did not have land.
- They had little power because they did not have knights.
- They had great power because they influenced people’s actions.
- They had great power because they controlled people’s education.