Freethought and Freedom: Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin on Persecution Excursions E159 - Oct 11th, 2017 George H. Smith explains how some leading Christian theologians justified the death penalty for heretics and blasphemers. Download Episode Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify RSS George H. Smith explains how some leading Christian theologians justified the death penalty for heretics and blasphemers. Originally published in essay form on February 27, 2015.