Any form of secular thought contrary to the teachings of the church was most likely punishable. According to the textbook, “as the Middle Ages progressed, the Roman Catholic Church's attitude toward secular learning and the wisdom of ancient writers began to change” (Benton et al 400). Christian beliefs were very important in the early Middle Ages but as time passed people began to expand their thinking not only with religious ideas but also with philosophy. According to the textbook, “the change in the intellectual perspective of the Church was stimulated by preservation and translation by Muslim scholars… This new perspective was complemented by the rise of universities, which were evolving into major centers of learning” (400 ). This new increase in educational facilities gave people the opportunity to become more educated, which opened up new concepts in science, mathematics, and other subjects. This could in turn create negative thoughts, ones that the Church would oppose. Furthermore, Christians throughout the Middle Ages were very consistent with their religion, especially in their constant attempt to conquer Jerusalem in the Crusades and most likely to convert those they conquered. According to the textbook, “in the 14th century, medieval music underwent significant changes, including the rise of secular music alongside sacred music” (411). This perhaps relates to the beginning of the Renaissance, but highlights that not only was education responsible for new intellectual thought, but music was becoming more common throughout the Middle Ages. Overall, the beginning of this era shaped European culture every day and had developed into something as different as time.