The Wages of Sin: The Tragic Tale of Roberto Calas

The Wages of Sin is a gripping account of the tragic life and death of Roberto Calas, a French Protestant who was falsely accused of murdering his son. The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious and social tensions of 18th-century France, and raises important questions about justice, prejudice, and the nature of truth.

The Wages of Sin

by Roberto Calas

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	249 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	40 pages
Hardcover	:	384 pages
Item Weight	:	1.57 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.88 x 9.21 inches

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Calas was born in 1694 in Castres, a Protestant stronghold in southern France. His family was wealthy and well-respected, and Calas himself was a devout member of the Reformed Church. However, religious tensions were high in France at the time, and Protestants were often persecuted by the Catholic majority.

In 1761, Calas's son Marc-Antoine converted to Catholicism. Calas was devastated by his son's decision, but he respected his right to choose his own religion. However, the conversion caused a great deal of tension within the Calas family, and Marc-Antoine was often at odds with his father.

On October 13, 1761, Marc-Antoine was found dead in his father's shop. The authorities immediately suspected Calas of murder, and he was arrested and imprisoned. The trial that followed was a travesty of justice. Calas was denied legal representation, and the prosecution presented no credible evidence against him. Nevertheless, Calas was convicted and sentenced to death.

Calas's execution on March 9, 1762, sparked outrage throughout Europe. Voltaire, the great French philosopher, took up Calas's case and wrote a series of powerful pamphlets that denounced the injustice of his trial and execution. Voltaire's efforts eventually led to Calas's posthumous rehabilitation in 1765.

The Wages of Sin is a powerful and moving account of a tragic miscarriage of justice. The book provides a valuable reminder of the importance of religious tolerance and the need to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.

The Religious and Social Tensions of 18th-Century France

The religious and social tensions of 18th-century France were a major factor in the persecution of Roberto Calas. France was a Catholic country, and Protestants were often seen as a threat to the established order. Protestants were denied basic rights, such as the right to hold public office or to practice their religion freely. They were also often the target of violence and discrimination.

The conversion of Calas's son to Catholicism was a particularly sensitive issue. In the eyes of many Catholics, it was a betrayal of the Protestant faith. It also raised the spectre of mixed marriages, which were forbidden by the Catholic Church. The conversion caused a great deal of tension within the Calas family, and it ultimately led to Marc-Antoine's death.

The Trial of Roberto Calas

The trial of Roberto Calas was a travesty of justice. Calas was denied legal representation, and the prosecution presented no credible evidence against him. Nevertheless, Calas was convicted and sentenced to death. The trial was a clear example of the religious and social prejudices that were rampant in 18th-century France.

Calas's execution sparked outrage throughout Europe. Voltaire, the great French philosopher, took up Calas's case and wrote a series of powerful pamphlets that denounced the injustice of his trial and execution. Voltaire's efforts eventually led to Calas's posthumous rehabilitation in 1765.

The Wages of Sin

The Wages of Sin is a powerful and moving account of a tragic miscarriage of justice. The book provides a valuable reminder of the importance of religious tolerance and the need to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.

The book is also a testament to the power of the written word. Voltaire's pamphlets played a major role in bringing about Calas's posthumous rehabilitation. The book shows that even in the darkest of times, the truth can prevail.

The Wages of Sin

by Roberto Calas

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	249 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	40 pages
Hardcover	:	384 pages
Item Weight	:	1.57 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.88 x 9.21 inches

FREE