The Catholic Church has undoubtedly been a powerful shaping force in the history of western civilization. To what extent is there power?
What is the one organization that has had the most influence on the development of western culture over the last two thousand years? What institution has had the power to strike terror in entire countries with the threat of a simple executive decision? What organization can arguably be held responsible for the destruction of entire primitive societies, in order to promote their own expansion of influence? If you guessed the Catholic Church, you are right.
Make no mistake; the Church has also been responsible for countless wonderful deeds through the centuries. From Mother Teresa of Calcutta to the literally millions of nameless and thankless souls who have dedicated their lives to helping others, without ever having any thought of receiving any recognition of any kind, one doesn't have to go far to find the beneficial effects of this globally powerful institution.
But at what cost? Who decides which groups are to be ministered to and fed, and which groups are to be conquered? It is no secret that the atrocities committed during the inquisition were justified in the name of the Church, and it's power.
It is no coincidence that while the Spanish Inquisition was underway, Spanish conquistadors were sent around the globe with a mission: To conquer in the name of the church. The church leaders decided that those pagans that did not know the truth of Christ were not subject to their laws. Whole cultures were wiped clean to make way for the conquering soldiers and priests.
The inspiration behind the rules, morals and code of ethics that the whole of western society is built on is the same inspiration that erased hundreds of years of indigenous culture from the face of the planet.
An even trade off? Both sides can be argued reasonably well. You will have to make that decision for yourself.
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