When looking at the histories of ancient individuals and societies, it is evidence that the strength of a given society is rooted in a unifying belief system or centralized power. Often times, religions are that foundational force. Islam and Christianity specifically have been forces of unification throughout the course of history. Islam flourished as a unifying force during a time of political fragmentation during 1000-1300 CE in the area that became to be known as the “Middle East.” Islam was successful in its expansion as a result of multiple factors. Surfism, a communal and ritual based form of Islam, was appealing to common people given that the missionaries were sources of emotional and social support. The bonds of the surfs brotherhood …show more content…
As the class system shifted to strip peasants of the little freedom they had, their service and dependence on the knightly class allowed for religious leaders to become more closely involved in the lives of their followers since there were loose political ties to a centralized authority post Charlamagne. Catholicism, the original expression of Christianity, emerged as a unifying and universal faith that transformed the region now known as “Europe.” This was aided by a stream of agrarian breakthroughs that led to that mass development of land and clearing of forests. By 1200 CE, the accessibility of Christian monks and their dynamic monasteries increased in a manner that allowed the clergy of the Christian parishes to become a greater influence into the lives of the laity. This accessibility changed the way the Christian faith was practiced and gained power and influence over previously considered personal and family issues; as individuals became dependent on the church for guidance and resolution, Christianity was adopted at a faster rate as the faith become more