Regardless of the reasons monks had for preserving classical works, they were preserved. I repeat: You say that Christianity retarded European intellectual development, but Christian religious institutions were essentially the only forum for the preservation, teaching, or discussion of scientific, philosophical, etc. ideas in medieval society. So again: Do you contend that if the Christian church hadn't existed, a secular institution would have emerged that could fulfill the same roles? On a supra-national, continent-wide basis? In the medieval political climate?Originally Posted by benzss
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