CLEP Western Civ II

Answer: B - The de-Christianization movement derived from the attempt to eliminate all elite institutions. The state became the ideal, as it would in later radical revolutions, and banning the Church was an attempt to solidify loyalty to the state. The Enlightenment had raised valid criticisms of the Church. Moreover, the Second Estate (composed of the clergy) had traditionally been excused from taxation (but required a tithe), which furthered opposition to the Catholic Church, making the ban possible.