[attiladhun2]

I am not a Catholic, but your thread verily drips with anti-Catholic venom.
All of the inventions that made the modern world what it is today were invented during the Middle Ages: the lens, the mechanical clock, distilling, crop rotation, the harness, the magnetic compass, gunpowder, the movable printing press, cheap pulp-type paper, etc. Many of these were invented in monasterys, which acted as R & D centers, as well as repositories for both secular and religious knowledge. Please get your facts straight before you go on a rant. You only reveal your lack of sophistication.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Many of these were invented in monasterys, which acted as R & D centers, as well as repositories for both secular and religious knowledge

Correct. Many famous scientists, like Gregor Mendel, were monks (gunpowder was actually invented by the Chinese.)

[Sensei Ern]

"I am not a Catholic, but your thread verily drips with anti-Catholic venom. All of the inventions that made the modern world what it is today were invented during the Middle Ages: the lens, the mechanical clock, distilling, crop rotation, the harness, the magnetic compass, gunpowder, the movable printing press, cheap pulp-type paper, etc. Many of these were invented in monasterys, which acted as R & D centers, as well as repositories for both secular and religious knowledge. Please get your facts straight before you go on a rant. You only reveal your lack of sophistication."

Gunpowder must have been made by Chinese Catholics.
Much of what you listed was from the voyage of Marco Polo.

Although the banter of these posts make it seem otherwise, I do not hate Catholics. I do not have any patience for religious tyranny and mis-information.