The power structures of medieval Christianity allowed the Church to use religion as a tool and excuse to systematically oppress a certain segment of society, in order to establish control over it. This reflects the theories of both Marx and Freud, and is relevant in the Middle Ages, as it was during the Industrial Revolution. For the purposes of this essay, a medieval time frame has been established as between the years 1000 – 1400 AD. This is intended to focus on the influence of religion during a specific era, rather than attempting to broaden the topic. Medieval Christianity used religion to ensure that the feudal structure of society remained in place and that no one left their domain. Since Christianity was the most powerful religion in this era, it used its influence to oppress and discriminate against minor religions such as Judaism, creating a wave of hatred and violence against these people. Furthermore, the inquisition was an effective way to ensure that everyone adhered to the ideals of the church, and not their own. During these dark times, a feudal society reigned supreme and the church sought to keep it that way. Medieval Christianity used religion to force people to accept their station in life and not ask for more, because the religion taught that the meek would inherit the earth. for all” and the clergy had to “pray for all”. This system allowed those in power to oppress those beneath them: “there had been a theology and a sociopolitical structure that flowed inexorably from religion and preserved the ruling elite that exploited the poor.” This structure it is comparable to that of the Hindus ...... middle of paper ...... to believe in an illusion that seems to create a better life, but in reality this is not the case. Medieval Christianity used religion to secure feudal society, in which their power was absolute. The church then used that power, as well as its control over its followers, to repress the Jews, ensuring that this minority religion remained a minority religion. Furthermore, through the use of the Inquisition, the church was able to spread fear throughout the lands through the use of torture and confiscation of property. Allowing them to keep followers subservient to the tenets of Christianity. Christianity can be seen as a force for good for society when used in its purest state to connect humans to a divine deity. However, if placed in the wrong hands, such as those of the elite, it can be used as a political tool of oppression and exploitation, becoming a force of illusion..