Censorship and the church

Censorship and The Church

The church has always played an important role in censorship particularly that of art.

From my research I have found that the Christian Church was a defining element in medieval society within Western Europe, binding people together in shared faith and common learned language. The Church was the largest commissioner of art. For art to be accepted during this time it had to illustrate the Catholic Church’s teachings and interpretations of the Bible, the Church, therefore, further censored artwork. There was a growth in imagery particularly focused around the concept of heaven and hell to emphasise those outside the Catholic Church as evil and, therefore, going to hell. Many who went against these views were burned at the stake for blasphemy and heresy during this period of time. 

This is likely to have impacted on the religious imagery created at this time, and gives an underlying message of control.