What is the inquisition?

Introduction

The Inquisition, a series of institutions and processes established by the Roman Catholic Church, has been a significant historical and theological issue. The Inquisition represents a dark chapter in Church history, characterized by persecution, forced conversions, and the suppression of dissent. This examination delves into the origins, operations, and Protestant criticisms of the Inquisition, with references from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible to highlight the theological and ethical concerns that arise from this historical episode.

Origins and Development of the Inquisition

1. The Medieval Inquisition (1230s-1250s)

The Medieval Inquisition began in the 13th century, primarily as a response to what the Church perceived as heresies. The Church sought to combat these perceived threats to orthodoxy by establishing inquisitorial courts. However, the methods employed during the Inquisition contradicted the principles of justice and mercy advocated by Jesus.

2. The Spanish Inquisition (1478-1834)

The Spanish Inquisition was established by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain with the approval of Pope Sixtus IV. Its primary aim was to maintain orthodoxy in Spain, particularly targeting converted Jews (conversos) and Muslims (Moriscos) suspected of secretly practicing their former religions. The Spanish Inquisition became notorious for its brutal methods, including torture and execution. Protestants spoke against the Inquisition’s ruthless practices, which included severe punishment for those accused of heresy.

3. The Roman Inquisition (1542-1965)

The Roman Catholic Inquisition, also known as the Holy Office, was established by Pope Paul III in 1542 during the Counter-Reformation. It aimed to combat Protestantism and other heresies within the Papal States and beyond. The Roman Inquisition was involved in notable cases, such as the trial of Galileo Galilei.

• John 8:32 (NKJV):

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The Roman Inquisition’s suppression of scientific and theological dissent is seen as a violation of the principle of seeking truth and freedom of inquiry.

Protestant Criticisms of the Inquisition

1. Violation of Biblical Principles

Protestants criticize the Catholic Inquisition for violating several core Biblical principles. The Inquisition’s practices of torture, forced confessions, and execution are seen as contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

• Matthew 5:44 (NKJV):

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

The Inquisition’s approach to dealing with those who upheld the truths of the Bible lacked the love and compassion that Jesus commanded. Instead of seeking reconciliation and understanding, the Inquisition resorted to violence, persecution, Torture and executions.

2. The Concept of Sola Scriptura

The Protestant Reformation emphasized “sola scriptura” (Scripture alone) as the sole authority for Christian faith and practice. Protestants view the Inquisition’s actions as an attempt to uphold human-made traditions and ecclesiastical authority at the expense of individual conscience and Biblical teachings.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV):

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Inquisition’s enforcement of Catholic Church doctrine often conflicted with the teachings of Scripture, thus undermining the authority of the Bible.

3. Persecution of Reformers

The Inquisition persecuted Protestant reformers and their followers. Key figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin faced significant opposition from the Inquisition’s institutions.

• Revelation 2:10 (NKJV):

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

The persecution of reformers and their adherents was a fulfillment of this prophecy, highlighting the conflict between emerging Protestant movements and established Catholic authority.

4. Theological Implications of the Inquisition

The coercive measures of the Inquisition used to enforce religious conformity are seen as antithetical to the principles of grace and faith that underpin Protestant theology.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

The Inquisition’s emphasis on maintaining orthodoxy through force undermines the Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith, which should not be enforced by evil means.

Historical and Theological Context

1. The Inquisition in Church History

The Inquisition in medieval and early modern Europe, reflected the tension between the church authority and dissent. Its actions had profound effects on the social and religious landscape of Europe, influencing the development of modern concepts of justice and human rights.

2. Reformation and Counter-Reformation

The Protestant Reformation, initiated by figures like Martin Luther, challenged the authority and practices of the Catholic Church, including the Inquisition. The Counter-Reformation, led by the Catholic Church in response, intensified its efforts to combat Protestantism by severe persecution and executions.

• Acts 17:11 (NKJV):

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

Protestants view the Inquisition’s suppression of dissenting voices as contrary to the Bereans’ example of searching the Scriptures to discern truth.

3. Tyranny

The Inquisition serves as a reminder of how the Church overstepped its bounds and the need for vigilance in safeguarding individual freedoms and doctrinal integrity.

• Galatians 5:1 (NKJV):

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

The Inquisition represents a historical example of relgious authority enforcing doctrinal conformity through coercion and persecution contrasting with the Biblical emphasis on freedom in Christ.

Historians

Brownlee says, “In one word, the church of Rome has spent immense treasures and shed, in murder, the blood of sixty eight millions and five hundred thousand of the human race, to establish before the astonished and disgusted world, her fixed determination to annihilate every claim set up by the human family to liberty, and the right of unbounded freedom of conscience.” — Popery an enemy to civil liberty, 1836, pp. 104-105.

Dowling says, “From the birth of Popery in 606 to the present time, it is estimated by careful and credible historians, that more than fifty millions of the human family, have been slaughtered for the crime of heresy by popish persecutors, an average of more than forty thousand religious murders for every year of the existence of popery.” — “History of Romanism,” pp. 541, 542. New York: 1871.

E. H. Lecky says, “That the Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history. The memorials, indeed, of many of her persecutions are now so scanty, that it is impossible to form a complete conception of the multitude of her victims, and it is quite certain that no power of imagination can adequately realize their sufferings.” — “History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe,” Vol. II, p. 32. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1910.

Conclusion

The Inquisition is a stark illustration of the conflict between religious authority and individual conscience. The methods employed by the Inquisition—torture, forced confessions, and execution—are seen as contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of justice and mercy. The Inquisition’s practices are seen as a clear deviation from the Gospel message of grace and faith, emphasizing the importance of upholding Biblical principles over institutional power. By examining the Inquisition’s impact and the theological issues it raises, Protestants advocate for a faith that respects individual conscience and upholds the teachings of Scripture.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this article and website are not intended to be against any individual. There are many priests and faithful believers in Roman Catholicism who serve God to the best of their knowledge. They are seen by God as His children. Thus, the information contained herein is directed only towards the Roman Catholic religio-political system which has reigned in varying degrees of power for nearly two millennia. This system has established an increasing number of doctrines and statements that directly go against the Bible.

It is our purpose to lay the clear Word of God before you, the truth-seeking reader, to decide for yourself what is truth and what is error. Therefore, if you find anything here contrary to the Bible, do not accept it. However, if you desire to seek for Truth as for hidden treasure, and find herein something of that quality and feel that the Holy Spirit is revealing Truth to you, please make all haste to accept it.