Question

How did scientific rationalism undermine the authority of the Catholic Church?

Answer 1

Before the revolution the church had all authority and everyone believed what the church said. It undermined it because any scientific evidence that went against the church weakened the church. Officials feared that as people began to believe scientific ideas, then people would start to question the Church, making people doubt key elements of the faith. Officials feared that scientific ideas would threaten the powerful influence of the Church.

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