ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -By the end of the Middle Ages, corruption (actions that are wrong or dishonest) in the Catholic Church was a serious problem. Clergy members were supposed to be well-educated, but many parish priests were illiterate and hardly knew how to perform ordinary religious services.

Detailed explanation-2: -Over time, popes and bishops began selling indulgences as a way of raising money. This practice made it seem that people could buy forgiveness for their sins. Many Catholics were deeply disturbed by the abuse of indulgences. The Church also sold offices, or leadership positions.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Church aggressively struggled against dissenters within and without: Christians who disagreed with the Church’s teachings were considered heretics, and could be physically punished or even killed. Those of other faiths were also treated harshly.

Detailed explanation-4: -During the Middle Ages, the Church provided education for some and it helped the poor and sick. It was a daily presence from birth to death. In fact, religion was so much a part of daily life that people even said a certain number of prayers to decide how long to cook an egg!

Detailed explanation-5: -Corruption is expressed in the mind and conscience (I Tim 6: 5, Titus 1: 15) and also in character (I Cor. 15: 33). The New Testament identifies that the true Righteousness and Holiness of God can give solution to corruption. It is a common word used in every day to day human experience.