Let's be clear, I don't care what the reformer churches did because I have no intention of ever following any non-Catholic sect of Christianity. Thus far I'm pretty adamant in either choosing Catholicism or atheism depending on answers I receive over time. Also "they did it too" isn't a proper defense for these actions.
Yet thats not what i said.
I said the Church had the least burnings - which is remarkable...
However; they get the blame for all of it.
The arm of the Church -
tho not in charge of the state - aided the state to give humans dignity - and if not for the Church in those times - many many more lives would have been ended.
You cant see this?
As for the Protestants - they did their own thing.
The point is the Church followed protocol - as allowed by the state - and being such a huge entity - as she was - was handed over the blasphemers [who did this intentionally knowing they would be sent to Catholics]
Now - if the Church was so bad - why did they intend to be given a trial in their court?
As i said St Thomas More allowed 3 deaths in his tenure.
And the details are unknown. Perhaps the worst of the bunch after months of trying to help them.
These sorts did exist...as they do now.
Perhaps reformers who burned Catholics alive without proper recourse or conscience?
I compare it because I was under the assumption that the Catholic Church was suppose to follow a higher morality that goes beyond the social norms of the time, but I seem to be mistaken. I ask my original question again, since Pope John Paul II apologized for these heretical executions does that mean all who took part in them are guilty of sinning? Hypothetically if the world reverted back to barbarism and the Catholic Church stated that there must not be tolerance of heresy would that mean that Pope John Paul II would now be a sinner for preaching religious tolerance?
You are mistaken in believing the Church controlled the states.
Go back in time - perhaps as far back as the scriptures. The Apostles said we shouldnt tolerate heresy.
Why?
Because it dooms the soul - and their whole point of existing and preaching was to help souls go home to God.
If a heresy condemns a soul - then its not supposed to be taken lightly.
The Churches concern is always the health of the soul.
The Church isnt supposed to be lukewarm. They are not universalists. They are the speaker of that which guides us to the perfection of Heaven and eternal Bliss in the Presence of God.
The only reason we have moral laws at all - in the scriptures and in life is because God wants us to know that which will cause our separation - since He knows humans intimately and He knows moreover that which causes the soul to flee from Him - not being able to bear His Presence... because it enjoyed its sins and refused Him on earth.
He isnt some big meanie handing out difficult paths for fun - they are difficult now because we sought out sin in the first place - so sin is easier to follow.
We dont seem to know what judgment is like. Judgment is the soul freely seeing its own sins - He Being Judge just needs to Exist for us to see them. In His Holy Perfection every blemish is visible.
Somewhat like a beautiful pure white garment - if it gets a smudge on it - its visible to all. If it gets mud thrown on it - its very easy to see.
We are the bleached garments in baptism - every sin we take on - or enjoy and live in - makes that garment dirtier and dirtier... before His Magnificent Light which is a spotlight to the souls vision so we see everything we have done.
I will say that I agree that statistics show that the Catholic Church for the most part didn't want execution to be the first option and that is commendable for the time period they lived in. However the real question is how do you claim the Church has Truth when its stances on religious questions like heresy changes depending on the time we're living in?
And let's now fast forward - the Church who is the voice of the Lord doesnt change - but the compassion for ppl changes and knowledge and wisdom leads the Church today to understand - 500 years is a long time from the beginning of heresies spreading and ppl today are frankly ignorant of the history - the truth that was always taught.
If you teach a child who teaches their child and so forth the wrong things - is the fault of the 5th generation child they have an error? No, so the Church allows for invincible ignorance.
IE - we cannot possibly judge this generation on denying the truth of the teachings - when they never knew they existed. And they more than likely may never know.
Its very confusing in this generation.
Additionally - God will have mercy on Whom He will have mercy. Whatever the Pope locks or unlocks with the keys - the Lord locks and unlocks Heaven.
The Holy SPirit inspires the Popes - the Popes speaks for the Lord. So the Lord remains in control - but He allows for His chosen son to be obeyed - and gives him keys.
Therefore the Lord wants compassion and mercy for those who do not realize the errors of the reforms in these times.
Now thats a loving God. But too - He was loving in desiring the Church to never split - keeping truth intact for all humanity. For those outside still - do wrong. And their souls may be in danger.
Example:
OSAS - i know a woman who tells me she is saved. [SIGH]
But she lives with a man who isnt divorced and they fornicate.
Is she saved? All i can say is - saying one is saved while ignoring the truth of scriptures - ignoring the work it takes to live in grace and not act on concupiscence - doesnt mean one is saved. Therefore the heresies are still dangerous - to the soul.
But the Church is no longer regarded.
So the good ppl who follow the sects are judged - according to their works if they follow grace.
And again - those who do not - are still judged as a non-believer.
The Church can only do so much. BUT with invincible ignorance - a known fact ppl cannot be judged for what they were taught all their lives as truth and know no better - - the Church extends her arms of salvation to those who [thru no fault of their own] stay faithful to their mistaken ideas on Christianity.
