Did they go too far? In some cases, no question.
However, this is something that needs to be said: a declaration of heresy or excommunication is not a condemnation to hell by the Church. It is the Pauline expulsion from the Church by those who would not act as Christians. It is rarely done.
I might if I accepted the validity of your logic and followed the example of the Popes instead of Christ’s teaching and example.
This country's early colonies were mostly iron fisted theocracies who killed and drove off those from other denominations.
“However, this is something that needs to be said: a declaration of heresy or excommunication is not a condemnation to hell by the Church. It is the Pauline expulsion from the Church by those who would not act as Christians. It is rarely done”
That said, what does this from the Catechism mean in light of the above?
“1035 The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, “eternal fire.”617 The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs”
Heresy is a mortal sin, No? and death in a state of automatic excommunication? Well, you tell me...