Historical Events tagged with "freedom of conscience"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Flushing Remonstrance Advocates Religious Freedom

December 27th, 1657 367 years ago

In December 1657, residents of Flushing, New York, submitted the Flushing Remonstrance, a petition that articulated a demand for religious freedom, particularly in support of Quakers, who faced persecution. This significant document asserted that freedom of religion should be a right for all, regardless of their beliefs, and it challenged the policies of the Dutch colonial government. The remonstrance was prompted by tensions between the Quakers and colonial authorities, who sought to suppress their worship. It became a foundational text in the development of religious liberty in America.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Michael Servetus Arrested as a Heretic

August 13th, 1553 471 years ago

Michael Servetus, a theologian and physician, was arrested by John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, on charges of heresy. His unorthodox views on the Trinity and infant baptism had led to tensions with the Protestant reformers. Servetus's presence in Geneva created a significant stir due to his controversial writings, which were directly opposed to Calvinist doctrine. Calvin, aiming to preserve the integrity of Reformed Christianity, saw the arrest as necessary to uphold religious authority and eliminate dissent.

Continue Reading