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The Inquisition, By: Tiana Rutkowski, Gabbie Lu, and Leah Reinoso, Period…
The Inquisition
Origins
The Albigensian heresy, which rejected any authority and advocated violence and suicide, prompted Pope Innocent III to call for its purging.
The persistence of this heresy led to capital punishment, including burning heretics at the stake, and the establishment of the Inquisition in 1231.
The Process
On first arriving in a heretical area, an inquisitor would offer a “term of grace” and mild penances for the inhabitants.
Those who still claimed innocence might be subjected to confinement or friendly persuasion, and several witnesses were needed to convict someone.
Independent parties, or boni viri, were also called on to advise.
The Final Verdict
The results of an inquisition were announced at a solemn ceremony, and punishments were meted out.
Most punishments simply called for the performance of good works, but occasionally heretics were imprisoned or handed to the civil authorities to be executed.
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The five methods of extracting a confession from an accused person were fear of death, confinement, visits of tried men, torture, and the gaining of evidence.
The Inquisitors
The Franciscans and the Dominicans were placed in charge of the Inquisition. They were asked to act as independent inquisitional judges due to their excellent theological and spiritual formation.
Their task was difficult, and the Church sought men of virtue for this role, including some who have since been made saints.
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The Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition began as well, and it operated independently from the Papal Inquisition.
Best understood within its historical context, the Spanish Inquisition was at times cruel in the quest to unite Spain under Christianity.
It was used in particular to unite Spain as a Catholic nation after the Reconquista by Ferdinand and Isabella.
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Conclusion
Various threats rocked Europe in this era, and the Church became linked to this feudal society in a way that allowed corruption. However, holy people brought about reforms that ushered in the High Middle Ages.
Through crisis, God continued to guide His Church. Additionally, an understanding of the historical context reveals that the flaws of this era were a response to the threats of heresy or warlike Islam that threatened the Church and civil society.
By: Tiana Rutkowski, Gabbie Lu, and Leah Reinoso
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