How did the church create divisions during the Middle Ages?

The church significantly influenced divisions during the Middle Ages through the practice of excommunication. Excommunication served as a powerful tool for the church, allowing it to maintain control over individuals and communities by denying them access to the sacraments and church services, which were fundamental to spiritual life at the time. Those who were excommunicated were often isolated from their communities, creating fissures between supporters and opponents of the church's authority.

This mechanism not only affected individuals but also had broader social implications, contributing to tensions and conflicts within societies. It could serve as a means to challenge political authorities who were at odds with the church's interests, thus leading to divisions not just on a religious level but also on political and social fronts. The fear of excommunication often kept people aligned with the church, but it could just as easily create resentment and schisms when individuals or entire regions felt unfairly treated.

In contrast, other choices do not encapsulate how the church created divisions directly. While prosperity might imply wealth accumulation or favors granted by the church, it does not inherently create division. Fostering trade and communal gatherings generally promote unity and connection among people. In contrast, excommunication directly leads to separation and conflict, making it a primary tool for the