How did the Spanish Inquisition enforce religious orthodoxy?

The Spanish Inquisition enforced religious orthodoxy through interrogation, torture, trials, and execution of those deemed heretical.

The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, was a state-run institution aimed at maintaining Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms. It was a tool of religious and political consolidation, ensuring the dominance of the Catholic Church and the monarchy. The Inquisition was notorious for its methods of enforcing religious orthodoxy, which included interrogation, torture, trials, and execution.

The Inquisition's process typically began with the denunciation of a suspect. This could be anyone who was suspected of heresy, including Jews, Muslims, Protestants, and even Catholics who were thought to be deviating from the Church's teachings. Once accused, the suspect was arrested and subjected to interrogation. The Inquisition used various forms of psychological and physical torture to extract confessions. These methods were brutal and often led to false confessions, as the accused would say anything to end their suffering.

Following the interrogation, the accused would be put on trial. These trials were not fair by modern standards. The accused was not allowed legal representation, and the evidence against them was often based on hearsay or the confessions extracted under torture. If found guilty, the punishment could range from public humiliation to confiscation of property, imprisonment, or even execution. The most severe punishment was being burnt at the stake, a fate reserved for those deemed to be unrepentant heretics.

The Spanish Inquisition was not just about enforcing religious orthodoxy; it was also a tool of social control. It was used to suppress dissent and maintain the power of the Catholic Church and the monarchy. The fear of being accused of heresy was enough to keep many people in line. The Inquisition also served to consolidate the power of the monarchy, as it was under the direct control of the king and queen, rather than the Pope.

In conclusion, the Spanish Inquisition enforced religious orthodoxy through a system of fear and intimidation. It used brutal methods, including torture and execution, to suppress heresy and maintain the dominance of the Catholic Church and the monarchy.