Why do you think the Church and the monasteries became the centers of learning?

The Church and the monasteries became the centers of learning because the church was the dominant power during that time. The church was paid taxes and could save the terrified people to going to hell. This was a time of fear because after the roman empire fell then Europe lost its unifying force. The church became this force. In the monasteries the collected knowledge from the roman empire was preserved. They preserved Latin teachings and also the knowledge of writing which was almost lost in Europe. Also the monasteries and churches provided a sanctuary for people during this turbulent time. The church was more powerful than kings and this helped it to gain more and more power.

Source:

Middle Ages. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages#Church_and_monasticism.

Picture source:

LincolnCathedralWest.jpg. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LincolnCathedralWest.jpg.