I wouldn't say it's been spun. It just took time for the contradiction of having a state religion within a liberal society to be resolved.
Agreed, but does 'freedom of religion' necessitate a 'liberal society'? Its germs can be found even in Augustine. Toleration was also fairly common in the post-Reformation era. This is freedom of conscience, and in some cases even freedom of religion, but without the religion having the same legal standing.
I'd say religious freedom preceded liberal society. Putting all ideologies - except the ones opposed to liberalism - on an equal footing is the result of liberal society.
As you say, and many did. Some also believed that it was contrary to the Christian principle of charity, and that coercing consciences would not bring people to heaven.
Though I always found the argument by a Spanish bishop that the moriscos and conversos would probably be sincere Christians in the 4th generation at the very latest to be more persuasive.
Agreed, but does 'freedom of religion' necessitate a 'liberal society'? Its germs can be found even in Augustine. Toleration was also fairly common in the post-Reformation era. This is freedom of conscience, and in some cases even freedom of religion, but without the religion having the same legal standing.
No, but liberal ideology creates a pressure point for religious freedom.
I'd say religious freedom preceded liberal society. Putting all ideologies - except the ones opposed to liberalism - on an equal footing is the result of liberal society.
You can have non-liberal reasons for religious freedom, such as a pragmatic desire to keep the peace.
As you say, and many did. Some also believed that it was contrary to the Christian principle of charity, and that coercing consciences would not bring people to heaven.
Though I always found the argument by a Spanish bishop that the moriscos and conversos would probably be sincere Christians in the 4th generation at the very latest to be more persuasive.