Crimes of Faith
- Nefi Lara
- Aug 15, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
By Nefi Lara
Faith is defined as that which cannot be seen, touched, or felt with any of the five senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing) and which surpasses all scientific and verifiable evidence. The saying, “Faith can move mountains” is one that has led many people in the artistic, political, and business world to the pinnacle of success. A crime is defined as a shameful, indelible, undue, and painful act for the person who, unexpectedly, receives it. It is condemnable before the law and a tragedy for society.
What happens to people who are victims of crimes for thinking differently or not believing in something or someone? What acts 'justify' a death sentence? What happens to those who take advantage of the faith of others to satisfy personal desires? Did such crimes exist in Ecuadorian history? Do crimes continue to be committed in the name of faith? What has been done to mitigate such painful acts?
Medieval times were the antecedent to crimes of faith, between 400 and 1500 AD. This era of humanity is also known as obscurantism. During this period criminal acts and false and interposed accusations on the part of the Holy Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church were frequent. The Supreme Pontiffs delegated certain officials to protect the Church from any attack against it. “It was an 'Ecclesiastical Tribunal' established by the Roman Pontiffs between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, in order to defend and protect against heresies of all peoples of Christian faith" (Pine, n.d.).
