The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University

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Author QuotedZoe Oldenbourg
Title QuotedMassacre at Monsegur: A History of the Albigensian Crusade
Date (Year/Month/Day)1963/10/17
Imprint[S.l.] : Weidenfeld & Nicolson. 1961
QuotationThe last time I was in Louisville to see the Doctor I got two books on the Albigensians by Zoe Oldenbourg [Destiny of Fire and Massacre at Montsegur: A History of the Albigensian Crusade]. I have just finished Massacre at Montsegur-a deeply disturbing and moving book. One could find fault with it, in details, I suppose. But what would be the point? In general it is very honest and convincing and I think serious statement about the Church and the Inquisition, made without rancor, by someone whose real love for the Cathars makes her no doubt a bit partial. Is there any getting away from the fact that the Dominicans invented the methods of the modern police state? The secret trial, with secret evidence, making it profitable for the witness to save his life by accusing as many other people (secretly) as possible-retaining his anonymity, etc. The denunciations that remain anonymous-same complaint today against the Holy Office.
Quotation SourceDancing in the Water of Life: Seeking Peace in the Hermitage. The Journals of Thomas Merton, Volume 5, 1963-1965.; Edited by Robert E. Daggy. / San Francisco : Harper Collins. 1997, p. 24
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