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The Catholic Church's influence in banning incestuous marriages contributed to the development of Western civilization, setting it apart from other regions.

The Black Death marked the end of serfdom in England, transforming it into a fully capitalist economy based on money and free labor transactions.

The Catholic Church played a pivotal role during the Dark Ages by preserving knowledge. As the Roman Empire fell, the Church acted like Asimov's 'Foundation,' maintaining and reintroducing civilization through social engineering and the preservation of classical Greco-Roman lore.

During the early modern period, governments in Catholic Europe, such as Spain and France, collaborated with noblemen to suppress the merchant classes, leading to a decline in economic prosperity compared to Northwestern Europe.

In the 14th century, the Catholic Church's arrogance led to a conflict with the king of France, who murdered the pope and installed a French pope. This period, known as the Babylonian Captivity, marked a low point for Catholicism.

Ibn Khaldun wrote about the decline of the Muslim world, noting that oppressive governments were unable to maintain property rights, leading to societal decline. His perspective was shaped by personal tragedy, including the loss of his parents to the Black Death.

The Black Death marked a turning point in Western Europe, where the growth of capitalism ended serfdom and led to a fully money-based economy.

The Catholic Church in medieval Europe allowed for a surprising amount of political discourse, providing structures for what could be agreed upon and what could not. This openness to disagreement is a notable aspect of the Church's influence at the time.

The Catholic Church's decision to ban marriages between first cousins in the Middle Ages significantly reduced incestuous relationships in Europe, leading to societal benefits.