Routledge Heresy in Transition: Medieval to Early Modern Europe

Explore how the concept of heresy evolved dramatically across medieval and early modern Europe in this scholarly collection from Routledge. This volume examines Christianity's efforts to define orthodoxy and enforce conformity during the Middle Ages, when heresy prosecutions intensified significantly. Through carefully curated essays, the book traces the profound transformation in how heresy was perceived and punished, culminating in its eventual decriminalization and the gradual emergence of religious pluralism. Spanning the critical period from 1300 to 1700 known as Catholic Christendom, this work provides essential insights into how religious authority shifted from forceful elimination of Christian sects to acceptance of diverse theological perspectives. Ideal for historians, theology students, and anyone interested in understanding how European religious thought fundamentally changed during this pivotal transition.