After Charlemagne's Empire broke up, feudal states began to gain more power and a stable place in the order of protection and provision. These feudal rulers provided protection to their subjects in return for specific services and work. Thus, a tripartite society rose up in the High Middle Ages.

Consider this tripartite society and the foundations that created it. According to your textbook, "this arrangement was justified by the clergy." (220). Do you agree with the church of this period regarding the motivation for this three-level society? Is there Biblical support for such an arrangement?

For your responses, contribute to the discussion and dialogue by considering your classmates' arguments, identifying the specific thesis in each thread that you respond to, and either providing additional support for that argument or else offering a counter argument with strong support. Make sure that at least one of your responses speaks to an argument that you disagree with.