The Inquisition simply reflected the criminal justice practices of its time, and in fact, was much better than most civil criminal systems. What people really dreaded was being released to the secular arm, meaning the ordinary criminal justice system, which permitted confessions under torture, anonymous accusations, etc.
That said, the Inquisition definitely took on a life of its own, and became highly politicized and was used to attack perceived enemies of the King. In fact, the Pope twice tried to put an end to it in Spain (in its second and more out of control phase) but was unable to do so. It finally ran out of steam on its own, mostly upon the change of the occupant of the secular throne. This was because, in Protestant countries as well, the connection between secular power and religous power was much closer. Protestants, for example, eagerly proclaimed state churches wherever they gained power.
I do think that the Catholic Church should tighten up its internal doctrinal policing, though. If people want to support abortion, go have a gay "marriage," or deny the divinity of Christ - fine, but they shouldn't be allowed to do it or preach it in the Catholic Church.
Etchegaray, the Cardinal who came out today and "apologized" for the Inquisition, is a notorious leftist and is probably all in favor of the above heresies, btw.
I do think that the Catholic Church should tighten up its internal doctrinal policing, though. If people want to support abortion, go have a gay "marriage," or deny the divinity of Christ - fine, but they shouldn't be allowed to do it or preach it in the Catholic Church.
I agree 100%. Although I am not Catholic, I do agree with many of their beliefs. Any Bible-based religion that endorses gay marriage (or abortion) is beyond my understanding of plain words.