The Inquisition was not solely motivated by religious fervor, but also political motives from "summary" of The Myth of Religious Violence by William T Cavanaugh
The Inquisition, often portrayed as a purely religious institution, was actually driven by a complex mix of religious and political motivations. While it is true that the Inquisition was established by the Catholic Church to combat heresy and maintain doctrinal purity, it is important to recognize that political considerations also played a significant role in its operations. The Inquisition was not simply a tool of religious zeal, but also a means of consolidating and centralizing power. One key aspect of the Inquisition's political dimension was its close relationship with the state. In many cases, the Inquisition worked hand in hand with secular authorities to identify and suppress dissent. By rooting out heresy, the Inquisition helped to maintain social order and stability, thus serving the interests of both the Church and the ruling elite. In this way, the Inquisition functioned as a tool of social control, enforcing both religious orthodoxy and politica...
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