Religious tolerance and intolerance in early modern Europe, 1517-1650

Religion and Politics are issues that are often correlated with one another. Throughout history this correlation can be seen and felt. The purpose of this discussion is to demonstrate an understanding of religious tolerance from 1517 throughout the mid 17th century. The research will focus on instances where both tolerance and intolerance were demonstrated. The research will also explain how religion and politics become intertwined as specific nations attempt to increase their power. There will also be a discussion of three times in history when Machiavellian like leaders create alliances that demonstrate political-religious connections. The research will also discuss how modern Europe is born after the period of the French wars for religion.

Religion and Politics

The year 1517 was an important time as it pertained to religious reformation. There was a great deal of debate amongst different Christian denominations including Calvinists, Lutherans, Anabaptists, Humanists and Catholics. Starting in 1517 each of these denominations underwent ideological transformations that forever changed the manner in which such religions are practiced.

The year also marked the publishing of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses which basically attempted to expose some of the practices of Catholicism he believed to be inaccurate. Through the Ninety-Five Theses Luther wanted to encourage his catholic brethren to trust God's mercy and to have a sense of true contrition for sin ("Luther's Ninety-Five Theses"). Luther's Theses was particularly jolting because he boldly questioned some of the practices associated with Catholicism.

Religious Tolerance and Intolerance

From 1517 and the mid 17th century there was a great deal of religious tolerance and intolerance. Religious intolerance was most evident in Great Britain as it pertained specifically to the various monarchs during the aforementioned time period. Great Britain is also a prime example of how religion and politics can become intertwined in a society. The monarchs were both Catholic and protestant and there was a great deal of tension between these denominations during this time. The primary conflict was which religion would have dominance in society. During this time period the religion of the monarch dictated the dominant religion in society. That is, if a King or Queen was Protestant all of the religious leanings in the kingdom would be Protestant including education. Citizens that chose to practice Catholicism instead tended to be shunned and even killed. Many who were put to death were victims of heresy executions. These executions took place between 1520-1565 (Grell & Scribner, 2002). In this way monarchs in Great Britain used their political power to dictate the religious leanings of an entire society.

Although intolerance was present during this time there was also a great deal of tolerance. According to a book entitled Tolerance and Intolerance in the European Reformation, Spain had an "alternative tradition" that consisted of toleration and dissent. Although Spin did display some intolerance and persecuted protestants, compared to many other European countries the period of intolerance was much shorter. Figures such as John Locke, attempted to illustrate to Europe how it could be abandon religious wars. Through his work entitled De Tolerantia Locke asserted that religion was a private matter and he also a separation between church and state. Locke believed that the only way that people with different religious reviews could live together in peace. His appeal was really for religious tolerance that could only be achieved by separating religion from politics (Grell & Scribner, 2002).

Toleration was also present amongst the Swiss during the early part of the reformation. According to Grell & Scribner, (2002) such toleration was the result of heeding the words of John Calvin who was horrified by the religious wars taking place in his native country, France.

Trade, Mercantilism and expansion.

In addition, during this time Great Britain and other countries in Europe were experiencing a great deal a growth as result of increased trade and mercantilism. This time period also marked a great deal of expansion for different European nations. This expansion occurred through the conquering of certain territories.

Modern Europe

Like many wars, the end of the French Wars of Religion (1562 -- 1629) initiated a time of renewal for modern Europe. These impact on modern Europe can be seen in areas of greater religious tolerance and a clear and distinct separation between church and state in most European countries. The Wars of Religion also changed the social, economic and political climate of Europe forever.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to demonstrate an understanding of religious tolerance from 1517 throughout the mid 17th century. The research found that religious tolerance and intolerance were both present in Europe during the aforementioned time period. Ultimately many of these regions worked through their differences with the assistance of dynamic leaders.