[Buddha-l] Inquisition

[Dog of Mars]

It may be interesting in terms of nationalism and of the use of religion to make a unified state
to remember that there were often two Inquisitions at the same time. In Spain, for example, the Catholic Inquisition was interested in souls and therefore a convincing or sincere conversion and repentance could sometimes get you out. This would make you a good lesson for others, The Royal Inquisition, however, considered heresy  as treason against the state which had to be severely punished. Your death would be a good lesson for others.

It is worth remembering that Jews and others had rebelled against local leaders in some cities in order to open the gates to the Moors, who were far more liberal rulers than their competitors. Many Jews later fled to Muslim lands which is why Ladino survived as at least a language for hymns in Bosnia until modern times. All of this would have fed into the Spanish state's  use of religion to make a unified state by identifying and eliminating the "different."

The colonies, where many also fled the Inquisitions, showed a different view of what made a citizen or subject. When the Catholic Inquisition opened in Bogota, it quickly arrested a "heretic." The Royal Governor  raided the office, freed the prisoner, and told the Inquisitors that they would be in their own cells if they ever bothered anyone again.  This policy was continued by all his successors.