Jonah—A Sign of When Christ Comes Again

 







When Jesus Christ walked this Earth the Jews came to Him and asked Him for a sign. Christ gave them the sign of Jonah, showing that He would be in the grave for three days and three nights. But this sign of Jonah is also dual. It shows when Christ is coming again!

Sherlocking the Bible

https://www.pcog.org/articles/3857/sherlocking-the-bible

The histories of Judah’s kings were written in two separate accounts, centuries apart, which can be found in the book of Kings and the book of Chronicles. Some of the details about these kings are even found in certain prophets: For example, the Prophet Isaiah records much of King Hezekiah’s reign, in addition to what 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles record. Some details, especially about David, can be found in the Psalms: He included clues in the inscriptions of his psalms that show where in his life he wrote those compositions. So, if you are studying a particular king of Judah, you can “harmonize” these accounts (at least in Kings and Chronicles) by reading what both have to say. In fact, this is how you must study these accounts, since Christ said we are to live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4). Both accounts are in there to form a complete whole of what truthfully happened.

The same is true in the New Testament stories. You can find a synopsis of Jesus Christ’s life in Matthew, Mark and Luke—called the synoptic Gospels. The Gospel according to John also contains accounts of certain events, though it focuses more on the end of Christ’s ministry and prioritizes the words He preached over the events themselves. Therefore, when studying anything from one of these books, it is best to see what the other Gospel accounts have to say about it. You might find that only one or two Gospels mention a certain event or instruction—maybe three do, or perhaps all four do. This is significant information. Each account might be worded in a slightly, or vastly, different way. This is also important. As part of the inspired Word of God, it is all meant to create a more complete picture than what one account could provide.

Several authors have compiled what they call a Harmony of the Gospels—where they have taken the verses of the four Gospels and put them in order, or put the similar verses side by side.These can be tremendously valuable when studying this part of the Bible. At Herbert W. Armstrong College, A Harmony of the Gospels by A.T. Robertson is the preferred edition of these books and is used as a textbook for the Life and Teachings of Jesus course.

A similar type of detective work is required when reading the book of Acts. This book largely follows the journeys of Paul, and those verses can be harmonized with his epistles. You can determine where and when he wrote certain of his epistles by piecing together clues from all over the New Testament. This kind of “harmonizing” Bible study can also reveal things about some of his ministers, or even about some of the brethren he served.

Traditional Views on Homosexuality, Pornography, Fornication and Abortion Are Rapidly Diminishing

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/traditional-views-on-homosexuality-pornography-fornication-and-abortion-are-rapidly-diminishing

People in America and Britain who hold on to traditional views of morality are a rapidly diminishing group. Recent studies from the Pew Research Center and Gallup reveal that support for issues like homosexual “marriage” and abortion are increasing, especially among groups who generally hold more religious and conservative views. Why are so many in America and Britain compromising on these important issues? Is this really “progress,” or is it actually tearing our nations apart? This and more on today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show.

Lies About Trump—‘Good for Business’ at CNN

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/lies-about-trumpgood-for-business-at-cnn

Earlier this week, three CNN journalists resigned after running a story that was supposed to back the Trump-Russia collusion narrative. As it turns out, the story was based on one anonymous source and wasn’t backed by any evidence. Then an undercover video surfaced featuring CNN producer John Bonifield. Bonifield admitted the Trump-Russia stories were not true and that he can understand why President Donald Trump would say this is a witch hunt. This is the new age we’re living in—where journalistic ethics are cast aside to improve ratings and rake in more cash. For more, listen to today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show.

After the Islamic State, Will Iran Fighters Focus on Israel?

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/after-the-islamic-state-will-iran-fighters-focus-on-israel

Things are really heating up on the Golan Heights, between Syria and Israel. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, mortars fired from Syria landed in Israeli territory. Israel’s response was immediate and effective. However, many are beginning to wonder if we are entering a new phase of the Syrian conflict; a phase where Iranian proxies fighting in Syria turn their focus on Israel. On today’s program, guest host Brent Nagtegaal discusses the powerful strategic position Iran now occupies in order to push at Israel with ground forces.

The Dangerous History of a Rogue Spy Agency

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/the-dangerous-history-of-a-rogue-spy-agency

Germany's foreign intelligence agency, the BND, spied on the United States government, its armed forces and even private companies for years, Speigel Online reported June 22. Yet this shocking piece of news received almost no attention in the U.S. news media.

The BND was:
• founded by ex-Nazis;
• filled with Nazi war criminals;
• run largely by ex-Nazis for the first decade or two of its operation;
• helped Nazis on the run, including the infamous Adolf Eichmann, hide from justice;
• Recruited Nazi war criminals like Klaus Barbie known as the “Butcher of Lyon”—as late as 1960;
• broke German and international law by transferring large numbers of weapons—including tanks, helicopters and fighter jets—to Croat and Bosnian fighters during the 1990s;
• spied on German journalists between 1992 and 2005;
• in 2007, destroyed files detailing the Nazi past of the organization’s founders;
• was accused of covering up for or working with neo-Nazis in 2011;
• has being spying on foreign journalists since 1999;
• was caught helping the NSA spy on other European countries, organizations and businesses.

Trumpet contributing editor Richard Palmer examines the BND’s disturbing track record and explains why you should be concerned by the latest revelations.

Nimrod, the Tower of Babel and the Babylonian Empire

https://soundcloud.com/watchjerusalem/nimrod-the-tower-of-babel-and-the-babylonian-empire

On today's program host Brent Nagtegaal talks to archaeologist Christopher Eames about the 1500 year history of both Babylon and the Neo-Babylonian empire as it relates to the history covered in the Bible.

The Bible's Buried Civilization: The Babylonians - watchjerusalem.co.il/2017/06/23/unc…e-babylonians/

The Tower of Babel: Just a Bible Story? - watchjerusalem.co.il/2017/06/09/the…a-bible-story/

Why Family Breakdown Matters - The Trumpet Daily

 










Strong families are what build a strong nation. Where is the moral decline in the Western family leading?

The success of any nation is determined by the success of its family life. In his first inaugural address on April 30, 1789, President George Washington emphatically stated that “the foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality.” This has everything to do with the family structure, and the same holds true today. Moreover, cofounding father John Adams stated more specifically: “The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families.” When the family breaks down, so will the nation.

Physical family is only a type of something much greater. When we degrade the meaning of family in society, we are degrading much more than just a common moral standard. On this episode of the Trumpet Daily, we examine the rapid breakdown of family life in Western society and why family is of paramount importance. 

++++++++
Listen to the Trumpet Daily live each day at 7:00 am (CST) on Trumpet Radio.

Read the FREE literature offered in today's program:

The God Family Vision:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...

Redefining Family:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...

Trumpet Magazine:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...

Or, order by mail:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/request?it...

Visit theTrumpet.com:
http://www.theTrumpet.com

Subscribe to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/thetrumpe...

Connect:
http://www.theTrumpet.com
http://twitter.com/theTrumpet_com
http://www.facebook.com/PhiladelphiaT...
http://plus.google.com/+Thetrumpet/posts

Connect with Stephen Flurry:
http://www.thetrumpet.com/go/StephenF...
http://twitter.com/StephenFlurry
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen...
http://plus.google.com/11088679751124...

Would General MacArthur Support Modern Japan’s March Back Toward Militarization?

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/would-general-macarthur-support-modern-japans-march-back-toward-militarization

Before and during World War II, Japan’s military carried out some of the worst brutality in mankind’s history. The wartime ruthlessness and fanaticism of the Japanese were largely driven by their belief that their emperor was a god destined to rule the world. State Shinto became the national religion, promoting an ideology of Japanese racial superiority.

By the end of World War II, Japan had been fighting for 14 years. Almost 3 million Japanese were dead, with many more injured or gravely ill. Most of the population was starving, and the nation lay in ruins. But even then, nothing short of two atomic bombs was able to bring a halt to Japan’s perverse military fanaticism.

It was then, in the immediate aftermath of that tragic history, that the United States occupied Japan and drafted its constitution. U.S. officials, led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, wanted to ensure that bellicose fanaticism would not rise again in Japan, so they included Article 9 in the new Constitution. This clause outlawed war as a means for Japan to settle international disputes.

“We are committed,” MacArthur said, “to see that the Japanese people are liberated from this condition of slavery.”

But today, Japan is taking troubling steps away from pacifism and back toward full militarization. There are also signs that parts of the leadership would welcome a return to emperor worship. Have Japan and the world changed enough to justify modern Tokyo’s return to militarism and nationalism? If not, where is this leading?

Is the Eastern Syrian Battlefield Prophesied?

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/is-the-eastern-syrian-battlefield-prophesied

Eastern Syria is right where the Bible says Iran’s influence will stop and another foreign power’s will begin. On today’s program, Middle East correspondent Brent Nagtegaal explores Iran’s two-month-long campaign to dominate this territory and how the United States’ surprising response may lead to a fulfillment of a biblical prophecy.

Britain’s Day of Rage and Germany’s Day of Decision

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/britains-day-of-rage-and-germanys-day-of-decision

Marxist agitators tried to stir up a “day of rage” in London yesterday. “We’ve felt our power. We’ve tasted victory. Now we must escalate our actions to take down this rotten government, which has lost all authority to govern,” wrote the Movement for Justice by Any Means Necessary, one of the main agitators. On today’s show, Trumpet contributing editor Richard Palmer examines the far-left leaders who seek to use any tragedy as an excuse to stir up anger, hatred and even violence against the British government.

Also on today’s show, Germany could soon be faced with a momentous decision. For the last few years, it has tried to take a middle-ground position between the United States and Russia. It has backed U.S.-led sanctions, while at the same time supporting a major growth of Russian power through the expansion of its gas pipeline network. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline—dubbed the “Molotov-Ribbentrop 2 Pipeline” by the Poles—will allow Russia to use its energy reserves as a precision weapon, cutting off individual nations from vital resources. Now America is poised to slap sanctions on German companies involved in Nord Stream 2. It could soon be decision time for Germany: Will it finally sever ties with Russia or join its eastern neighbor to overthrow the American-led world order?

True Riches

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/true-riches

What is God’s view of material things? Should we accumulate wealth? Or should we subscribe to the idea that all material gain is wrong? What is the right balance? On today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show, we discuss the Bible’s definition of wealth and how you can acquire it.

The Death of Trust

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/the-death-of-trust

What is one of the hardest things to win back once it is lost? It takes only moments to lose, but you can spend a lifetime trying to regain it—and not succeed.
Trust.
America is suffering a trust crisis. 
Do you trust those around you? Do you trust the government, the police? Do you trust the financial system? How about scientists, religious authorities, academia?
If you are like most Americans, the answer is no—or at least not nearly as much as you used to.
And that is disturbing because trust is what makes the world go round and society function. It is one of the most important factors that historically have differentiated western society from the developing world.

Was an Image of Jesus Discovered in Rome’s Catacombs?

https://www.thetrumpet.com/15931-was-an-image-of-jesus-discovered-in-romes-catacombs

The Bible describes Jesus Christ very differently than he is depicted in modern art and ancient frescoes. As a human being, Jesus was a Jew (Hebrews 7:14). He looked like a normal Jewish man of His time (Isaiah 53:2; Matthew 26:48-50). He was also a carpenter (Mark 6:3). This means He would have worked outdoors in all kinds of weather. He would have been tanned in the summer and wind-burnt in the winter. He would have had a healthy, weathered look about Him. Since carpenters at the time of Christ were also familiar with stone masonry, Christ would have been muscular enough to carry and place large stones in homes and buildings. He was not weak or sickly looking.

God the Father has not inspired any pictures, paintings or films visually portraying Himself or Jesus Christ. This is because He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Yet God inspired a written description of what Christ looked like as a human, so we would have a perfect example of a masculine leader. Together with steel-like traits of vibrant health, intelligence, decisive leadership, righteous indignation and powerful persuasiveness, Jesus also exhibited many velvet qualities. Above all, He was humble. Pharisees criticized Him for spending time with sinners, but He knew that the sick are the ones who need the physician (Luke 5:31-32). The Lord and Master of the disciples instituted an ordinance of humility at His final Passover, and He washed their feet (John 13:13-14).

All the paintings, statues and movies utterly fail to depict the appearance and character of Jesus Christ. For a more complete description of how Christ exemplified true masculinity, download our free e-book Biblical Manhood.

Who’s Behind the Increase in Left-Wing Violence?

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/whos-behind-the-increase-in-left-wing-violence

“If the United States gets divided too much between the idea of freedom and the idea of communism, this country could not stand,” Herbert W. Armstrong said on one of his World Tomorrow broadcasts. Today, communism has been fully integrated into America’s left wing, and the impact this is having on America is clear: Violence and division are on the increase. Where is this leading, and what is really at the core of the radical-left movement? Find out on today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show.

British Politics: No Christians Welcome

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/british-politics-no-christians-welcome

Tim Farron resigned yesterday as leader of the Liberal Democrats, saying that it was “impossible” for him to lead the party while “living as a faithful Christian.” Farron voted in favor of homosexual “marriage” and was generally very private about his religion. Yet even then, his religious beliefs were deemed too extreme for British politics. Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has met frequently with terrorists, pushed a radical Marxist agenda, and accepted cash from Britain’s enemies. Before last week’s election, Corbyn was a pariah in his own party; now he is being embraced by left-wing politicians. Trumpet contributing editor Richard Palmer examines a Britain that considers a private Christian too extreme for the nation and welcomes a terrorist-sympathizing Communist. On today’s show, we also look at the tragic shooting in America and what it says about the divided state of the nation, as well as a possible banking crisis occurring in Spain.

Tower Inferno in London and Republican Congressman Shot in Virginia

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/tower-inferno-in-london-and-republican-congressman-shot-in-virginia

London woke up this morning to news of yet another tragedy. This time, a 27-story, high-rise apartment building caught fire overnight. So far, six people are reported dead, and over 50 are in the hospital. Officials fear the death toll could continue to rise.

And just before we went on the air live this morning, news came in of the shooting at a baseball field where Republican congressmen were practicing for a charity game. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise was shot in the hip.

These stories and more on today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show.

Why You Should Be Very Concerned About the Breakdown of the Family Relationship

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/why-you-should-be-very-concerned-about-the-breakdown-of-the-family-relationship

In nearly every way, in every sector, America is facing a cultural collapse of historic proportions! Gallup released its annual Values and Beliefs poll last month. More than one third of Americans believe pornography is not only normal—but moral. None of the hot-button cultural issues measured have moved in a more traditionally conservative direction. Family unity causes national stability. Attacks on the traditional family mean attacking biblical morality. This is not the sign of a happy, healthy, stable society. It is, however, a sure sign that we are living in the very last days. Listen to today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show to understand why you should be very concerned about the breakdown of the family relationship.

The Mystery That Would Be Finished

The Apostle John discusses two end-time messages in the biblical book of Revelation. The first is the most important book since the Bible. The second describes how God’s own people rebelled against the message of the first book.

Biblical prophecy is remarkably specific. Learn how two recent books can change your life—next, on The Key of David, with Gerald Flurry.

It is a story about God’s church gone off track and what God did to correct the tragedy. Request our free booklet Malachi’s Message To God’s Church Today to understand what happened to the Worldwide Church of God after the death of Herbert W. Armstrong. You can prove that God allowed the church split to test the loyalty of His people. Though God places most of the blame on the ministers, each individual is responsible for his or her salvation. You can discover where God dwells today—with a tiny remnant reviving the legacy of Mr. Armstrong and delivering a warning message just before the return of Jesus Christ. Malachi’s Message To God’s Church Today makes it all clear. You can order now at https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature....

Everyone seems to have a pet theory about the “little book” of Revelation 10. God has revealed the truth to one man in this end time. Request our free booklet The Little Book to prove absolutely where this vital message is today. It is a literal book—you can hold it in your hands and flip through the pages. You can also change your life just by reading it. To understand how, order The Little Book at 
https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...

++++++++++++++
Connect with Gerald Flurry and the Key of David at:
https://www.facebook.com/GeraldFlurry
https://plus.google.com/+GeraldFlurry
https://twitter.com/keyofdavidtv

Read or watch everything Gerald Flurry here:
https://www.thetrumpet.com/columnist/...

Learn more about Gerald Flurry here:
https://www.pcog.org/about/gerald-flurry
www.geraldflurry.com
www.geraldrflurry.com
+++++++++++++++

Who or What Is the Prophetic Beast? (2014)

Who or what is the "beast" of the book of Revelation? What does biblical prophecy reveal about world events now leading to Armageddon and the end of this age?

Obama ‘Systematically Disbanded’ U.S. Effort to Disrupt the Iranian Terror Network

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/obama-systematically-disbanded-us-effort-to-disrupt-the-iranian-terror-network

Prior to the nuclear deal with Iran, the United States had developed an incredibly successful network to thwart terrorist financing operations. As Barack Obama pressed ahead with the Iran deal, however, those operations lost funding and were “systematically disbanded,” according to former U.S. State Department official Dr. David Asher. Asher’s stunning testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee last Thursday was, by-and-large, ignored by the major media. On today’s program we discuss Asher’s comments and how the Obama administration helped legitimize the world’s biggest state sponsor of terrorism.

The Prophesied Breakup of NATO - The Trumpet Daily

Europe is about to take control of its future—leading to the dramatic fulfilment of Bible prophecy. 

There has been a seismic shift in transatlantic relations over the past year. Britain is leaving the European Union. The United States elected a president that doesn’t appear willing to intervene overseas. During last year’s presidential election campaign, Donald Trump said NATO was obsolete and even threatened U.S. withdrawal from the alliance.

Europe, especially Germany, is taking note of America’s shifting attitude. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the fate of Europe is now in its own hands—Europe can no longer depend on others.

On this episode of the Trumpet Daily, we focus on the transatlantic relationship between the United States and the European members of NATO—and show how Bible prophecy forecasts a break in this alliance.
++++++++

Listen to the Trumpet Daily live each day at 7:00 am (CST) on Trumpet Radio.

Request the literature offered in today's program:
The Holy Roman Empire in Prophecy: https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...
He Was Right: https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...
Trumpet Magazine: https://www.thetrumpet.com/literature...

Visit theTrumpet.com:
http://www.theTrumpet.com

Subscribe to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/thetrumpe...

Connect:
http://www.theTrumpet.com
http://twitter.com/theTrumpet_com
http://www.facebook.com/PhiladelphiaT...
http://plus.google.com/+Thetrumpet/posts

Connect with Stephen Flurry:
http://www.thetrumpet.com/go/StephenF...
http://twitter.com/StephenFlurry
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen...
http://plus.google.com/11088679751124...

Britain Under Attack

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/britain-under-attack

British Prime Minister Theresa May’s attempt to strengthen her party’s majority in Parliament by calling a snap election completely backfired. The election results reveal a dangerous shift in Britain. Nearly half of Britain’s voters are willing to support a party led by radical Communists who entertain the IRA and radical Islamists. How did the United Kingdom get to this point, and where is it headed? This and more on today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show.

True Education Teaches Man How to Live and Behave

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/true-education-teaches-man-how-to-live-and-behave

Students are spending more time getting an education, but less time developing actual skills and putting what they learn into practice. What is the point of having more “education” if it isn’t teaching students how to live or even how to earn a living? Higher education is failing, but there is a tried and tested method of education on Earth today that really works! On today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show, Stephen Flurry discusses true education.

About Those 400 ISIS Soldiers Who Returned to London—Where Are They?

https://soundcloud.com/trumpetdaily/about-those-400-isis-soldiers-who-returned-to-londonwhere-are-they

Between 200 and 400 former Islamic State fighters have returned from Syria and are now living in London. None of them are sitting in prison cells. Not a single one is on a return flight to Syria. In fact, London Mayor Sadiq Khan doesn’t have a clue where they are. The frequency of terrorist attacks in Britain has made this a brutal year for the country. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom government and mainstream media haven’t offered a single practical solution to the crisis. Listen to Stephen Flurry discuss this and more on today’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show.

A Mark and a Sign

https://www.pcog.org/articles/3732/a-mark-and-a-sign

The Bible describes a mark, which will be key to a man’s physical existence in the near future as it has been in the past. But it also speaks of another, contrasting mark that is essential for our spiritual survival. How well do you understand the impact of these marks on you, personally? You need to know. It is a matter of life and death!

Another Mark

For many years, Herbert W. Armstrong clearly proved that the mysterious mark of the beast in Revelation 13 refers to this most prominent of signs: Sunday worship.

Revelation 6:11; 13:15-16 reveal that in the coming Great Tribulation, all who reject that mark and the associated worship of the beast, yet whom God does not protect in a place of safety, will be martyred.

Revelation 6:9-10 describes the commencement of the Great Tribulation (see also Matthew 24:21-22). It depicts martyrs of God who were killed because of the word of God and because of the testimony which they held. The word testimony can mean an outward sign. Many throughout history who kept the Word of God and this specific outward sign died because they refused to worship on any day other than the one God had instituted.

Revelation 6:11 shows that this same type of martyrdom is going to occur in the Tribulation. Those who are plunged into that suffering will be tested on their willingness to die for God’s truth, including the Sabbath. Those who pay with their physical lives will be given a wonderful reward beyond that. Those who receive the mark will come face to face with the wrath of God.

“Sunday was the first day of the week according to the Jewish method of reckoning,” the Catholic Encyclopedia admits, “but for Christians it began to take the place of the Jewish Sabbath … as the day set apart for the public and solemn worship of God. … [D]uring the first three centuries practice and tradition had consecrated the Sunday to the public worship of God by the hearing of the Mass and the resting from work. With the opening of the fourth century positive legislation, both ecclesiastical and civil, began to make these duties more definite.”

In the Ephesus era of God’s Church, Satan’s counterfeit church began to exert a strong influence on society. Practice and tradition were becoming more important than God’s law.

Then a new wave of satanic persecution surged during the Smyrna era of God’s Church, which held fast to God’s command (Revelation 2:8-11).

History proves that the persecution and tribulation revolved around the day of worship.

“Forasmuch, then, as it is no longer possible to bear with your pernicious errors, we give warning by this present statute that none of you henceforth presume to assemble yourselves together,” Emperor Constantine declared at the Council of Nicaea (a.d. 325). “We have directed, accordingly, that you be deprived of all the houses in which you are accustomed to hold your assemblies … forbid the holding of your superstitious and senseless meetings, not in public merely, but in any private house or place whatsoever. … [T]ake the far better course of entering the Catholic Church …. [W]e have commanded … that you be positively deprived of every gathering point for your superstitious meetings, I mean all the houses of prayer … and that these be made over without delay to the Catholic Church; that any other places be confiscated to the public service, and no facility whatever be left for any future gathering, in order that from this day forward none of your unlawful assemblies may presume to appear in any public or private place. Let this edict be made public” (Eusebius’s Life of Constantine).

It was Constantine’s goal to force everyone to join the Catholic Church. Those who refused were mercilessly slaughtered. Keeping the Sabbath made one a dissenter from the established religious dogma, and a target of full-force persecution that compelled Sabbath-keepers to flee into the mountains of Europe and Asia Minor.

At the close of the fourth century, and during the fifth, cooperation between the Roman church and empire intensified. The church of the empire determined who would be considered heretics. These heretics were portrayed as straying lambs, to be sought out
and, if recalcitrant, chastised with rods and frightened with threats, but not to be driven back to the fold by means of rack and sword, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia.

And so for the first five centuries, the ecclesiastical idea was that the church should not shed blood, but that the state could pronounce the death penalty on heretics in cases where the public welfare demanded it. The majority held that the death penalty for heresy, when not civilly criminal, was irreconcilable with the spirit of Christianity.

All this seemed righteous, but was it?