by Casey Clay

Created on: July 10, 2008   Last Updated: March 28, 2012

Religion has always been a point of contention between and within societies for much of history. Where one religion dominates, there is sure to be others that are oppressed. While the Catholic Orthodox Church dominated much of Europe during the medieval period, it was not the only religion within Europe at that time. Other religions, such as the pagan religions of the Celtic and Germanic tribes, were purged from Europe during the late ancient and early medieval periods. However, some aspects of these religions were adopted into regional Christian practice; and in the countryside pagan practices were preserved by some individuals. One of the more well-known minor religions of the medieval period is that of Judaism.

While the Christian Church and its secular agents were purging Europe of all pagan influences, the religion of Judaism and those who adhered to its principles enjoyed a somewhat protected status. These individuals were certainly second class citizens in a social, political, and economic system that was dominated by the ideals of the Church. However, the early medieval church took the viewpoint that the Jews should not be harmed. Most of the members of secular society adhered to this particular doctrine.

By the late middle ages, Europe's population was booming. The Church had solidified its power within the early centuries of the medieval period and played a dominating role in the lives of all citizens of Europe. There were many changes occurring during this period of European history. The events that would lead to the breakdown of the social order and lead to the early modern period were underway.

As in all times of social change, there was much fear amongst the people. Times were uncertain and people began to look for the Church for answers. The early medieval period was a time of great uncertainty as well. European monarchs looked to solidify their territorial claims. By the late medieval period this had been achieved. Now the various Christian monarchs were fighting amongst themselves. The Church looked for outward enemies to direct the attention of the European warlords towards. He found the answer in the old Byzantine Empire.

The time of the Crusades was a great turning point for Jews living within Europe. Their protected status had been on the decline for decades by this point in history. They had been segregated from the rest of society for centuries and this segregation had led to greater separation between Jewish culture and Christian culture

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