What role did religion play in motivating and justifying exploration?

History The Age Of Exploration Questions



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What role did religion play in motivating and justifying exploration?

Religion played a significant role in motivating and justifying exploration during the Age of Exploration. Many explorers were driven by religious zeal and a desire to spread Christianity to new lands. They believed it was their duty to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity and save their souls. Additionally, religious leaders and institutions, such as the Catholic Church, provided financial and moral support to explorers, viewing exploration as a way to expand the influence of Christianity and counter the spread of other religions, such as Islam. The religious fervor and the belief in the divine mission of exploration served as a powerful motivation for many explorers during this time.