One of the accusation that is hurled at Protestants relies on the history. Our opponents charge that in the past, while Protestants claim to believe in religious toleration, in reality, such religion also has its own hand dripped in blood as well. Take England for example. While we claim that the reign of Queen Mary I was one of the most atrocious monarchs in history because of her intense Popish zeal in persecuting Protestantism, we neglect the fact that under the reign of Queen Elizabeth who is a moderate Protestants, Ireland, which was predominantly Catholic, become a killing field. In high school, I was taught that Johnathan Swift wrote a satire called a "Modest Proposal" in response to the plight of the Irish people under British Rule. And the reason for this poverty was obvious: religion.
I also watched yesterday Dr. Ryan Reeves lecture on "Catholics in America". Despite of being renowned for religious liberty, the United States, under Protestant influences, was also notorious for its anti-Catholic sentiments during the 19th century and even in the 1960s during the Kennedy election campaign.
Such accusation allows our Romanist opponents to play what I called "the martyr card", because Papist religion would deserve authenticity partly for its endurance of persecution.
My question was: why would Protestantism, as the gateway to religious freedom, could have its own "dark side" on this matter? We believe that heathens are converted to Christ solely through hearing the preaching of the Gospel. What are your opinions on this?
I also watched yesterday Dr. Ryan Reeves lecture on "Catholics in America". Despite of being renowned for religious liberty, the United States, under Protestant influences, was also notorious for its anti-Catholic sentiments during the 19th century and even in the 1960s during the Kennedy election campaign.
Such accusation allows our Romanist opponents to play what I called "the martyr card", because Papist religion would deserve authenticity partly for its endurance of persecution.
My question was: why would Protestantism, as the gateway to religious freedom, could have its own "dark side" on this matter? We believe that heathens are converted to Christ solely through hearing the preaching of the Gospel. What are your opinions on this?
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