Heretics and the modern Catholic Teaching on Them ?

Question

Over many centuries, by papal decrees, canon law and other announcements from Rome a campaign of killing 'heretics' was pursued by the Roman Catholic Church - the same organisation who claims that its doctrines have not changed. My question is simple - has the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church changed one iota in this matter of heresy ? Because I have books on the laws of the Catholic Church which indicate that the death penalty is STILL in force within the Catholic Church for heretics. Am I imagining this ?? I can quote the publications, all Vatican approved and officially sealed/approved by the Pope himself.. What's going on ????

Answer 1

--Is Catholic--

How about you quote some things? That would be helpful so we can know what you are talking about. Don't just say you can quote, actually quote.

The designation "heretic" can only be applied to an individual who is of the Catholic faith. Once a person leaves the Catholic Faith, they are not a heretic. As such, non-Christians can never be called heretics. Protestants hold heretical positions, but for the most part, are not formal heretics and are not to be regarded as such. It is important to note that the Catholic Church considers Protestants to be ordered to the Church, but not yet fulfilling their baptismal promises.

People who form heretical group that break away from the Church also attempt to carve out a power base from which to both steal people out of the Church and to influence political decisions which support their group, with often the aim of overturning society. This can be very debilitating to social order as well as being a very grave sin for leading people into error and away from Christ. If one reads history, one finds that heretics are often very vocal, very angry, and turn very violent. It is in this danger that in the past more drastic measures needed to be taken into play. The State has always been the one to impose the death penalty for heresy, as such is its sphere of influence.

It is very important to understand that during the Reformation, people where not killed simply for being heretics, but rather it was because they were spreading violence and chaos. Society at that time was not well equipped to handle mass insurrections, which is what occurred.

Now days, because states have become much more capable at handling dissent, and religious break away groups are more separated from political ends nor do they, for the most part, wish to wipe out those that disagree, there is no direct need for harsh reactions by the state.

The Vatican teaches in the modern world that it is most conductive to have an atmosphere of freedom by where people can encounter truth in the open. This is the drive of the Vatican's decrees on religious freedom. It is important to note that these decrees do not say that it is good or right for heretics to exist, or that all religious should have the exact same rights, but rather it is important for an atmosphere of freedom of thought and practice to exist so that true religion and true faith might be found by all peoples. Religious freedom is not about the plurality of religions.

Now consider something. Consider Islam and the supposed “Islamo- fascists”. People say that the Islamo-Fascists have hijacked Islam and are thus heretics. Because they are murderous thugs intent on being murderous thugs, how do you think that Islam should handle them? If this was a problem in Catholicism, the Church would have no problem saying to the State, the UN or whomever, that if you need to take drastic action, take drastic action. Of course that Church would say that drastic action be the last resort, as she always says of such thing. (if you take a look at the Vatican’s statements on the current problems, you will notice that they do not say that action shouldn’t be taken, but rather they are critical of the method, especially that all Muslims are being punished for the crimes of an individual group.)

Answer 2

Since the second Vatican Council, the Church has taken a more pluralistic attitude to other denominations and faiths. It regards other Christian denominations as "other traditions" with a large degree of common doctrine and practice. It also actively supports Ecumenism and the general movement towards Christian Unity.

Those within the Catholic Church who actively take up positions opposing the Church's teaching are still regarded as heretics. However, we don't burn them anymore - we just ignore them.

Answer 3

no I don't think that the catholic church would burn people at the stake but in the past in the name of Christianity over 300 odd years the Inquisition put to death between 2 and 5 million people for your so called heresy Has the Vatican ever said sorry I don't think so.

Answer 4

Vatican II (a council called by Pope John XXIII) supports the idea of Catholics working in unison with people of other religions. That would supercede these papal decrees that you have.

Answer 5

I think you will have to give links to the documents.

The current Code of Canon Law does not mention a death penalty for any offense: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

Anything approved by an old man who wears a nightgown and a funny hat all day is open to question

Answer 7

THe Church does not advocate "killing" people--heresies are brought out into the open and identified as false teachings to protect the TRUTH.

The death penalty is wrong--Jesus taught us forgiveness--God is merciful.

Answer 8

I don't know what the Catholic church's policies are, but I know that murder is not a Christian teaching, and there is noway it could be excused.

Answer 9

Ever told a really big lie, then felt you have to tell more lies to protect the fact that you're lyin?

Yeah, they're there about now.

Answer 10

Was the inquisition ever disbanded, I think they`ll put a papal fatwah on you!