age and the markedly increase in theirmobility if one lord will not suit their needs. Without the manpower to cultivate and yieldquality crops, the land-lords are in effect held without authority. The Parliament comes tothere rescue by imposing penalties and restricting the movement of the laborers and limitsthe wages. Although this is effective for the time being and serf's services continued, itwill result in a revolt some 30 years later.4 The end economic result of the Plague issomewhat surprising. Prices drop and wages increase. The latter not so surprising. Although not proven, the deflation of goods decreases because of a significant decrease inpopulation. This gives rise to a new social relationship that will “replace the status quo ofcenturies.”5 A higher standard of living results for the lower class. Higher wages and alower cost of living usually comes with an opportunity of social advancement. By ourstandards, the advance is very minimal, but considering the conditions of the time, it isconsiderable. The laws that the English Parliament are passing to govern the lower classare not only a sign of changing times, but proof that a new era and social class isemerging. Much of the Christian religion we see today is shaped from views that develope bysociety during that time. Various forms of religious behavior develope, but are far fromwhat we recognize today. One of the most gruesome replications is the resurgence ofFlagellants. The Flagellants are convinced that the end of the world is at hand and thePlague is the wrath of God. They travel in organized bands, bound by vows to abstainfrom all physical pleasures and to endure tortures and whippings for 33 days, in memoryof the 33 years of the life of Christ. In truth most Christians of that time do believe thecause of the Plague is God's wrath on a wicked Man. Many say they are doomed by theirown wickedness. There are also others who believe themselve...
