Who would have thought that in the 1300s the plague would strike along trade routes (Doc 1) to the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, killing almost a third of the population? the population she was exposed to in just five years? Many at this time would say that God not only knew this, but was also responsible for the outbreak of the plague known as the "Black Death, Great Plague, or even Great Plague"; it was a combination of three different plagues from three different bacterial strains: bubonic, pneumonic and septicemic (background test). No matter what type of person it was, it almost always led to death, a horrible death. When Europe and the Middle East were hit by the Black Death in the mid-14th century, religion was the most important aspect of everyone's life. The two most popular religions at the time were Christianity and Islam. Although these religions are very similar in their beliefs, what differentiates them is how their followers reacted to the Black Death and what they thought about it: viewing it as a blessing or a curse. The most widely held opinion regarding the cause of the plague was religious. European Christians viewed the Black Death as “God’s just reward for our sins” (Doc 4) for leading immoral lives. Christians turned to God and asked Him to forgive their sins: recognizing that the plague was the result of their choices. They lived a life full of fear and warned “do not stray from the right path, and do not perish” (Doc 4). Along with these beliefs, Christians blamed Jews for the plague. They thought they had poisoned the wells and thousands of people were killed (Doc 7). The pope, however, issued a statement saying that the Jews were not responsible for the plague (D...... middle of paper ...... were there during the prayers... Then, after performed the dawn prayer... they all went out together." With the Korans in hand, the Muslims were soon joined by the Jews and Christians who held their own religious books, "imploring the favor of God through his books. and his prophets' became even more popular than before. People looked to religion for answers, forgiveness and salvation. Although many actions of Muslims and Christians were different during the plague. had a common belief: God created the plague without dependence In terms of race or religion, the plague was the most destructive natural phenomenon in world history (background essay) and killed almost everyone infected. Being religious helped many people cope with the difficult times that the plague created during this time. lives.