Question

Early in the Renaissance, almost all bankers were people of the Jewish faith. These men provided a much-needed service to fellow businessmen who were seeking advancement, yet they were looked down upon and made to live and work in ghettos. What was the source of this attitude toward banking?


A. The activities of bankers were believed to be powered by magic, and the people of Europe were superstitious.


B. People who borrowed money had to go to the ghettos for their banking needs and disliked these slum areas.


C. Lending money and charging interest went against a teaching of the Catholic Church and was seen as sinful.


D. Banking began as way for theives to trick people into giving them their money.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Lending money and charging interest went against a teaching of the Catholic Church and was seen as sinful.

Explanation:

During the Renaissance period, most of the European countries were controlled by the Christians hence, they saw the Jews as a threat to their religion and life in general. In-order to control them, Ghettos were created where the moved all of them to.

The Jews who were successful in banking were into lending of credits to people with interest which infuriates the Catholic church and the people in general because it is against their teachings (Usury). Most christian financial houses which lend money without interest where filled with so many difficulties to access such financial help unlike the Jews who requires minimal information from people (even lending to the poor easily unlike the christian lending houses).

Answer 2

Answer:

C. Lending money and charging interest went against a teaching of the Catholic Church and was seen as sinful.

Explanation: