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The Papacy by Erick Ybarra.

 

Five English Reformers, by J. C. Ryle. This book highlights the martyring of John Hooper,Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley, all of whom were burned at the stake at the instigation of papists during the reign of Bloody Queen Mary.

Here's an interesting quote: "The principal reason why they were burned was because they refused one of the peculiar doctrines of the Romish Church. On that doctrine, in almost every case, hinged their life or death...the doctrine in question was the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the consecrated elements of bread and wine in the Lord's Supper." By the term, "real presence," Ryle mainly means corporal presence, but he does quote Cranmer as having written, "They (the Papists) say that Christ is corporally under or in the forms of bread and wine. We say that Christ is not there, neither corporally nor spiritually; but in them that worthily eat and drink the bread and wine He is spiritually, and corporally (He is) in heaven."

At least 288 English Christians were murdered in this horrific manner in the years 1555 through 1558. It struck me, while reading this, to wonder what sort of "church" would stoop to killing people merely because they differed in their religious beliefs. Certainly such an action seems fully contrary to Christ's words, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

 

As a cautionary note, Both Elizabeth 1 and their dad Henry VIII persecuted many Catholics, though they were executed for treason. That makes little difference to the outcome, certainly for the person being executed.

Henry VIII's execution of Margaret Pole was without trial or any meaningful justification or explanation.

 

I think this historical reality merely illustrates the principle though, that judicial execution as the sentence for merely holding beliefs contrary to the ruling authority is in principle an act of murder and therefore unchristlike and a corporately mortal sin. Currently both Hamas and the leaders of the Military of Israel seem to be culpable of this sin. Just as Authority back in earth's history has been universally, similarly inclined, culminating in the execution of God himself in Christ, (while effecting reconciliation of the world to himself), merely for holding and speaking views and ideas contrary to the human Religious and Political authories of his time.

 

I am reading from Shame to Sin about the Christian transformation of Christian sexual morals in antiquity