Ignited at the start of the 16th century by the nailing of a candid list on the door of a small German church, the Protestant Reformation introduced the Catholic Church to new thoughts and practices that left European Christians in a state of disbelief. After many disaccording new sects cut ties with the Church, scholars and rulers had a hard time to accept the new concept being introduced to them- religious toleration. While many accepted religious toleration many regions didn’t embrace it for it caused more diversity and disunity.
The concept of religious toleration was feared by many of the leaders so they adapted the concept based on their sect. “ diversity of belief, cult, and ceremony divides… subjects… which in turn gives rise to conflicts, …show more content…
Sebastian Castellio insisted that the vacancy of toleration would lead to the downfall. He says “ by Christians themselves with fire, water, and the sword with out mercy?” (Doc 1) Castellio is pointing out that the lack of acceptance of the intolerant will eventually lead to the extinction of Christianity. Also in the declaration written by William of Orange, leader of the Netherlands Protestant movement, cautions his people about the dangers caused by the hindrance of toleration by saying “ If we do not grant members of the Reformed Church freedom to exercise their religion… then our enemy [Spain] will find it all the easier to harm us…”. (Doc 2) Since William is a prominent leader in his nation he is more interested in the benefits of his people, therefore he encourages them to be tolerant of the Reformed Church. Having supported Parliament during the Puritan Revolution John Lilburne, William Walwyn, Thomas Prince, and Richard Overton sought to remind the English people of the many atrocities that were attached to the elimination of other beliefs throughout history. (Doc 6- Reference) After having witnessed the negligence of a king’s unchanging point of view against particular Puritan sects, they encourage unbiased toleration. Finally, French philosopher, Voltaire emphasizes the community that was developed by …show more content…
The 1583 agreement between the Lutherans and Catholics in Saxony, points out the acceptance but the distrustful practice of toleration. “ [It is further ordered] that Lutheran preachers and deacons do not prolong their sermons, songs, or Communion beyond 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning… Similarly, their funerary sermons must be over by 2:00 in the afternoon, so as not to hinder Catholics in the practice of their services and ceremonies.” (Doc 4) Both Catholics and Lutherans were assured the freedom to worship, yet there were sets of behaviors that they had to follow. The Edict of Nantes written by King Henry IV in 1589 granted Huguenots freedom of religion-displayed precaution that is seen because the rights that have been granted accompany Protestant actions “ in other things as contained in this edict.” (Doc 5) Since Henry IV had readily/promptly demonstrated himself by converting religions so then he could rule France, it wouldn’t have held any religious point of views toward this clause; therefore it shows the political indication of his behavior with French Catholics. In the 17th century very little changed as Amsterdam’s 1691 validation of the construction of a Catholic church demonstrates the objection to fully accept religious toleration. “ To avoid giving any offense… promises that the entrance to the new… place shall no longer be
The concept of religious toleration was feared by many of the leaders so they adapted the concept based on their sect. “ diversity of belief, cult, and ceremony divides… subjects… which in turn gives rise to conflicts, …show more content…
Sebastian Castellio insisted that the vacancy of toleration would lead to the downfall. He says “ by Christians themselves with fire, water, and the sword with out mercy?” (Doc 1) Castellio is pointing out that the lack of acceptance of the intolerant will eventually lead to the extinction of Christianity. Also in the declaration written by William of Orange, leader of the Netherlands Protestant movement, cautions his people about the dangers caused by the hindrance of toleration by saying “ If we do not grant members of the Reformed Church freedom to exercise their religion… then our enemy [Spain] will find it all the easier to harm us…”. (Doc 2) Since William is a prominent leader in his nation he is more interested in the benefits of his people, therefore he encourages them to be tolerant of the Reformed Church. Having supported Parliament during the Puritan Revolution John Lilburne, William Walwyn, Thomas Prince, and Richard Overton sought to remind the English people of the many atrocities that were attached to the elimination of other beliefs throughout history. (Doc 6- Reference) After having witnessed the negligence of a king’s unchanging point of view against particular Puritan sects, they encourage unbiased toleration. Finally, French philosopher, Voltaire emphasizes the community that was developed by …show more content…
The 1583 agreement between the Lutherans and Catholics in Saxony, points out the acceptance but the distrustful practice of toleration. “ [It is further ordered] that Lutheran preachers and deacons do not prolong their sermons, songs, or Communion beyond 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning… Similarly, their funerary sermons must be over by 2:00 in the afternoon, so as not to hinder Catholics in the practice of their services and ceremonies.” (Doc 4) Both Catholics and Lutherans were assured the freedom to worship, yet there were sets of behaviors that they had to follow. The Edict of Nantes written by King Henry IV in 1589 granted Huguenots freedom of religion-displayed precaution that is seen because the rights that have been granted accompany Protestant actions “ in other things as contained in this edict.” (Doc 5) Since Henry IV had readily/promptly demonstrated himself by converting religions so then he could rule France, it wouldn’t have held any religious point of views toward this clause; therefore it shows the political indication of his behavior with French Catholics. In the 17th century very little changed as Amsterdam’s 1691 validation of the construction of a Catholic church demonstrates the objection to fully accept religious toleration. “ To avoid giving any offense… promises that the entrance to the new… place shall no longer be