The Catholic Inquisition Essays

The Catholic Inquisition Essays The Catholic Inquisition Essay The Catholic Inquisition Essay The Catholic Inquisition is best defined as a crusade by the church to rid the world of heretics. However, the scope under which these measures were carried out is a testament to the power that the Catholic Church exercised over both the ruling class (kings, lords, and other nobles) in addition to the lay people and commoners. Prior to the 1 lath century, the nobles had increasingly dictated church affairs, as they were making secular choices for bishops. This was important for the nobles to do because a bishop would often be the governmental administrator for a town, in edition to the spiritual leader. However, the papacy began to chafe at this external interference, and more so this external exertion of power. Thus, a spirit of reform came about, spearheaded by Pope Gregory VI. He laid out assertions of power that were to be uniform across the Catholic world, with such edicts as: The Pope alone would appoint or depose bishops The Pope alone would have his feet kissed by princes The Pope alone could depose emperors None of the Popes Judgments could be overturned, except by he himself No one could Judge the Pope The Popes decisions were Infallible With such sweeping powers, plus the supposed moral high-ground, the Church now sat as equal If not greater to any monarchy. As time went on, these powers evolved Into a formal court known as the Inquisition which would serve as the means to exercise these powers against enemies of the Church. In the beginning of the 13th century, these courts could try those accused of being heretics. The accusers did not have to face the victim, thus leaving room for abuses and false accusations. Also, a confession or a denial could equally result In punishment; with the former resulting In a flogging or confiscation of property and he latter resulting In torture and/or death. The true Insight Into the relationship between the church and society Is that no other Institution, regardless of Influence or power, could have carried out such a nefarious means of accomplishing Its objectives. Only the church, with the supposed backing of God, could commit such travesties and not be overthrown. However, both nobles and commoners, In constant fear of delve consequences, had no choice but to submit and obey. The Popes decisions were infallible sat as equal if not greater to any monarchy. As time went on, these powers evolved into a formal court known as the Inquisition abuses and false accusations. Also, a confession or a denial could equally result in punishment; with the former resulting in a flogging or confiscation of property and the latter resulting in torture and/or death. The true insight into the relationship between the church and society is that no other institution, regardless of influence or power, could have carried out such a nefarious means of accomplishing its objectives. Only the church, with the supposed backing of commoners, in constant fear of divine consequences, had no choice but to submit