[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Er, maybe you should re-read history. Much of the so-called religious hatred had to do more with politics than with religion. In fact, it was a Catholic prime minister of France, Cardinal Richelieu who supported the "Snow King" in his fight against the Spaniards with money during the thirty year's war, also known as the counter-reformation.

But if you think that the 1500 - 1700 was bad, what do you think of the much worse period of time from from about 800 - 1100? Or the nasty time Europe had during the hundred year's war? Neither of these were religious in any sense, but they were more devastating in their effects than the thirty years war (although Germany was extremely devastated during this conflict).

What about the threat from Temujin? He had Europe shaking in their collective boots.

Some Puritans did hate some others, although most seemed to be remarkably tolerant of others' views. Admittedly, the Puritans were heavily involved in England's Civil War, but mostly as the persecutees who eventually became victorious. Even at their height of power, their abuses of power were mainly directed at political and not religious opponents. In America, the Puritans were, for a time, taken over by radicals led by Cotton Mather. This madness was stopped when the Governor's wife was accused of witchcraft. Definitely an object lesson you should learn when extolling such radicals as Malcom X.

[LauraleeBraswell]

""Er, maybe you should re-read history. Much of the so-called religious hatred had to do more with politics than with religion.""

Interesting. Thank you for that interesting post. In the case of the American witchcraft persecutions I said that I thought it had more to do with superstitions.
I don't think the bible says anything about burning people at the stake.