The Dominican Order and the History of the Inquisition

The Dominican order is identified as the primary group responsible for the systematic use of the Inquisition to convert and punish those deemed hereticsPTUK February 18, 1897, page 97.5+1. While the total number of victims throughout history is so vast that it will never be fully known until the final judgment, recorded accounts attribute millions of deaths to the various persecuting arms of the PapacyDAR 137.2+1.

The Dominican Order and the Inquisition

The formal machinery of the Inquisition was significantly advanced when the tribunal was turned over to the DominicansPTUK February 18, 1897, page 97.5.

• The Rise of the Tribunal: In 1248, Innocent IV took the tribunal out of the hands of secular authorities and entrusted it to the Dominicans, who had already been active in "converting" the CathariPTUK February 18, 1897, page 97.5.

• A "Merciful" Deception: Some writers have attempted to paint the Inquisition as a compassionate or lenient tribunal, noting that a man was only allowed to be racked once, though this still constituted extreme crueltyPTUK February 18, 1897, page 97.5.

• Global Impact: The Dominicans and their "Holy Office" spread throughout Italy, Spain, America, and India, preparing racks and lighting fires for those who opposed their dogmasEVRR423+1.

The Role of the Jesuits

The Jesuit order, founded later, also played a devastating role in the suppression of the GospelDAR 137.2.

• Mass Casualties: Approximately nine hundred thousand orthodox Christians were slain in less than thirty years following the institution of the Jesuit orderDAR 137.2+1.

• Tools of Destruction: The Inquisition was considered a "fit tool" for the Jesuits, who used it to nearly blot Christianity from the earth by destroying true believersPROLI 123.1.

The Scale of the Persecution

The Papacy is described as the power that would "wear out the saints of the Most High" Daniel 7:25.

• Estimated Death Tolls: Some scholars estimate that the Popes of Rome have directly or indirectly slain fifty million people for refusing to participate in Romish idolatryEVRR423+1.

• Specific Campaigns: A million Waldenses perished in France, while the Inquisition itself destroyed one hundred and fifty thousand people through various tortures within just thirty yearsDAR 137.2+1.

• The Spirit of Enmity: This spirit of persecution is a fulfillment of prophecy, as the carnal heart remains at enmity with the law of GodAA 84.3+1.

Supernatural Endurance of the Saints

Despite these "exquisite tortures" and "indignities," the followers of Jesus maintained their testimonyEVRR423+1.

• Divine Strength: Martyrs were often given supernatural boldness and a deliverance from pain as they faced the rack, the sword, and the flameEVRR58.

• Final Victory: Those who were "overcome" by death actually conquered through their fidelity to Christ, awaiting the resurrection when Michael shall stand up to deliver His people Daniel 12:1EVRR423+1.

• The Call to Faithfulness: The history of truth has always been a struggle, but the Gospel continues to move forward in the face of suffering Matthew 24:14AA 84.3.