
NOTE TO THIS ELECTRONIC EDITION
PREFACE
THE INQUISITION - CHAPTER 1 FIRST PERIOD I-IV CENTURY THE EPOCH OF THE PERSECUTIONS
CHAPTER II SECOND PERIOD FROM VALENTINIAN I To THEODOSIUS II THE CHURCH AND THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE CHRISTIAN EMPERORS AGAINST HERESY
CHAPTER III THIRD PERIOD FROM 1100 TO 1250 THE REVIVAL OF THE MANICHEAN HERESIES IN THE MIDDLE AGES
CHAPTER IV FOURTH PERIOD FROM GRATIAN TO INNOCENT III THE INFLUENCE OF THE CANON LAW, AND THE REVIVAL OF THE ROMAN LAW
CHAPTER V THE CATHARAN OR ALBIGENSIAN HERESY—ITS ANTI-CATHOLIC AND ANTI-SOCIAL CHARACTER
CHAPTER VI FIFTH PERIOD GREGORY IX AND FREDERIC II THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONASTIC INQUISITION
CHAPTER VI SIXTH PERIOD DEVELOPMENT OF THE INQUISITION INNOCENT IV AND THE USE OF TORTURE
CHAPTER VIII THEOLOGIANS, CANONISTS, AND CASUISTS OF THE INQUISITION
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.
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.
Subjects

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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by Henry Charles Lea

by Henry Charles Lea

by Henry Charles Lea