The Inquisition

audiobook

The Inquisition

by E. (Elphège) Vacandard

EN·~5 hours·12 chapters

Chapters

12 total
1

NOTE TO THIS ELECTRONIC EDITION

0:31
2

PREFACE

7:50
3

THE INQUISITION - CHAPTER 1 FIRST PERIOD I-IV CENTURY THE EPOCH OF THE PERSECUTIONS

8:56
4

CHAPTER II SECOND PERIOD FROM VALENTINIAN I To THEODOSIUS II THE CHURCH AND THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE CHRISTIAN EMPERORS AGAINST HERESY

28:37
5

CHAPTER III THIRD PERIOD FROM 1100 TO 1250 THE REVIVAL OF THE MANICHEAN HERESIES IN THE MIDDLE AGES

24:03
6

CHAPTER IV FOURTH PERIOD FROM GRATIAN TO INNOCENT III THE INFLUENCE OF THE CANON LAW, AND THE REVIVAL OF THE ROMAN LAW

17:12
7

CHAPTER V THE CATHARAN OR ALBIGENSIAN HERESY—ITS ANTI-CATHOLIC AND ANTI-SOCIAL CHARACTER

41:13
8

CHAPTER VI FIFTH PERIOD GREGORY IX AND FREDERIC II THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONASTIC INQUISITION

37:07
9

CHAPTER VI SIXTH PERIOD DEVELOPMENT OF THE INQUISITION INNOCENT IV AND THE USE OF TORTURE

29:29
10

CHAPTER VIII THEOLOGIANS, CANONISTS, AND CASUISTS OF THE INQUISITION

28:18

Description

This study invites listeners into a measured, scholarly exploration of one of history’s most contentious institutions. Rather than echoing pole‑pole arguments from either fervent defenders or hostile critics, the author strives for an objective lens, weighing the Inquisition against standards of morality, justice, and religious purpose. By foregrounding the legal and doctrinal frameworks that underpinned the tribunals, the work offers a clear picture of how coercive power was exercised in medieval Christendom.

Drawing on a wide range of earlier histories—some steeped in bias, others marked by earnest but limited research—the author critiques their assumptions and introduces fresh documentary evidence to reshape the conversation. Listeners will discover how the Inquisition’s legacy has been shaped by rivalry, propaganda, and scholarly oversight, gaining insight into the complexities that simple sensationalism overlooks. The narrative remains grounded in careful analysis, making a dense subject accessible and compelling for anyone curious about the interplay of faith, law, and authority.

Details

Full title

The Inquisition A Critical and Historical Study of the Coercive Power of the Church

Language

en

Duration

~5 hours (307K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2008-08-16

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

E. (Elphège) Vacandard

E. (Elphège) Vacandard

1849–1927

A French Catholic priest and historian, he wrote with unusual energy about church history, doctrine, and some of the most contested questions of his time. Best known for studies of Saint Bernard and the Inquisition, he brought a scholar’s patience to subjects that often stir strong opinions.

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