2.10 Essay

"To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay right or justice." This famous quote came from a famous document signed by King John. The Magna Carta was created to give equal rights which show the religious aspect of medieval Europe and Japan. Other ways religion and economics influenced Medieval Europe and Japan were the pastor’s influence on society, how the merchants during the middle ages helped the economy and the way trade lead to Buddhism. To begin, The Magna Carta was influenced by religion. Since, King John had conflicts with nobles he was forced to sign this document. Therefore, King John’s power had certain limitations. He couldn’t collect arbitrary taxes, imprison people, or take their property. Also he could not force widows to remarry and he was not allowed to take away their inheritance. Democracy was established through the Magna Carta by creating a council and limiting the power of the monarch.( Document A: Magna Carta, Excerpt of Primary Source) Also, In Japan trade lead to the spread of Buddhism. Buddhism was spread because often Japanese merchants went along on the trading journeys.(Document H: Excerpt for Secondary Source and Topographical Map of Japan)

Pastors also had an influence on society. In the Middle Ages the pastors controlled a big part of society and could demand exactly what they wanted. The people didn’t know what was happening so they didn’t argue. The mixed life was also part of this. The mixed life consisted of the length of time the Prelates of holy church and pastors and curates would not agree after combining. In my opinion, to lead the mixed life the prelate would spend time in monasteries to give themselves to contemplative exercises. These exercises consisted of prayers, meditations, and reading of holy