Wait a minute... why are you arguing for a Unitarian anyway?
John Calvin thought Servetus should be executed for heresy. Compared with the evidence necessary to begin a Spanish Inquisition, it’s amazing they waited this long. Any Roman Catholic at the time would have agreed: Servetus belonged to no major sect at the time because of his anti-Trinitarian beliefs.
But John Calvin did plead with the canton for an easier death than burning at the stake. Considering, that’s a pretty big gift in and of itself.
I’m not trying to defend the entire affair. I think execution’s much too harsh for Servetus. Just as I think the Spanish Inquisition was a bad idea. But I don’t want to argue scale or any of that nonsense. I’m curious as to how Servetus applies to the discussion of the Roman Catholic Mass.
John Calvin thought Servetus should be executed for heresy. Compared with the evidence necessary to begin a Spanish Inquisition, it’s amazing they waited this long. Any Roman Catholic at the time would have agreed: Servetus belonged to no major sect at the time because of his anti-Trinitarian beliefs.
But John Calvin did plead with the canton for an easier death than burning at the stake. Considering, that’s a pretty big gift in and of itself.
I’m not trying to defend the entire affair. I think execution’s much too harsh for Servetus. Just as I think the Spanish Inquisition was a bad idea. But I don’t want to argue scale or any of that nonsense. I’m curious as to how Servetus applies to the discussion of the Roman Catholic Mass.
1- I don't know to believe
2- I dom't know what the unitarians were like in those days as compared today version
3- Servetus did not acept the Trinity Creed but did believe in the Father and Son.
4- The words he prayed to as was burning was -
When the executioner began his work, Servetus whispered with trembling voice: 'Oh God, Oh God!'
The thwarted Farel snapped at him: 'Have you nothing else to say?'
This time Servetus replied to him: 'What else might I do, but speak of God!'
Thereupon he was lifted onto the pyre and chained to the stake. A wreath strewn with sulfur was placed on his head.
When the faggots were ignited, a piercing cry of horror broke from him. 'Mercy, mercy!' he cried.
For more than half an hour the horrible agony continued, for the pyre had been made of half-green wood, which burned slowly.
'Jesus, Son of the eternal God, have mercy on me,' the tormented man cried from the midst of the flames ...."(11)