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What is the similarity between the Dominicans and the Jesuits?

Both were started to fight heresy: the Dominicans the Cathars, the Jesuits the Protestants. Both were started by soldiers. Both have unique spiritual disciplines.

What's the difference? Meet any Cathars lately?



Jesuits are usually ordained priests. Dominicans are usually not. The difference is black cassocks vs. white tunics.


To be fair, the Protestants had the printing press and significant political support on their side


Luther also showed up just as the HRE's centralization was beginning to show major major cracks. Luther wasn't the first "heretic" to challenge the catholic church, but he was the first one with major political support (a duke or a prince, I can't recall which).


There's also the Moravians and Lolards. Everyone knew Catholicism needed to change but it wasn't until the Reformation the pressure existed for the Counter-reformation to overcome the obstacles within the Catholic church.


I went to a Jesuit high school but am not religious now. But I still have a soft spot for the Jesuits. They tend to be liberal (relatively speaking) and taught extensively about social justice, and generally are very education-oriented.


10 out of 10. Would guffaw again.




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