Divided by Faith

A very interesting and yet logical take on the existence of toleration in Europe before, during, and after the Protestant Reformation. The author takes the stance that tolerance was practiced as the word is defined: tolerance - “endurance, fortitude,” from O.Fr. tolerance, from L. tolerantia “endurance,” from tolerans, prp. of tolerare “to bear, endure, tolerate” (see toleration). Of authorities, in the sense of “permissive,” first recorded 1539; of individuals, with the sense of “free from bigotry or severity,” 1765. Meaning “allowable amount of variation” dates from 1868; and physiological sense of “ability to take large doses” first recorded 1875.
One must keep this definition in mind while reading because today's definition of tolerance has distanced itself greatly from what it was only 20 years ago. The gap of over 400 years between these two definitions carries with it a great deal of social baggage, so open-minded reading is a must.
Fabulous book.