Taking the Name of the Lord in Vain in Early Modern Italy

Drawing from a rich array of sources, including trial records, sermons, and literary works, the essay investigates the ambiguities surrounding the definition and punishment of blasphemy in early modern Italy. The essay delves into the jurisdictional tensions between secular and ecclesiastical author...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Biasiori, Lucio 1984- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Interlibrary Loan:Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany)
Published: 2024
In: Church history and religious culture
Year: 2024, Volume: 104, Issue: 3/4, Pages: 340-358
Further subjects:B social identities
B religious transgression
B early modern Italy
B Blasphemy
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Description
Summary:Drawing from a rich array of sources, including trial records, sermons, and literary works, the essay investigates the ambiguities surrounding the definition and punishment of blasphemy in early modern Italy. The essay delves into the jurisdictional tensions between secular and ecclesiastical authorities in prosecuting blasphemers, the social identities of those accused of blasphemy, and the intertwining of blasphemy with other perceived vices, such as sodomy. The author also traces the gradual decriminalization of blasphemy, from its initial perception as a grave sin to its eventual marginalization as a bourgeois vice. Ultimately, the essay invites readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of the blasphemy debate in contemporary societies grappling with the tensions between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs.
ISSN:1871-2428
Contains:Enthalten in: Church history and religious culture
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/18712428-10403008