Isabel de la Cruz facts for kids

Isabel de la Cruz was a Spanish woman who lived a long time ago. She was known as a mystic, which means she had very deep spiritual experiences and beliefs.

Isabel de la Cruz was also one of the people who helped start a group called the Alumbrados movement. This group had ideas about faith that were different from what was commonly believed at the time. Because of these different ideas, she faced a long period of questioning by a powerful religious court called the Spanish Inquisition. This questioning lasted for several years, from 1524 to 1529.

Who Was Isabel de la Cruz?

Isabel de la Cruz was born in Spain. She lived during the 1500s, a time when religious beliefs were very important and often strictly controlled. She became known for her strong spiritual feelings and her unique way of understanding her faith.

The Alumbrados Movement

The Alumbrados movement was a group of people in Spain who believed they could have a direct connection with God. They thought that through prayer and meditation, they could reach a special state of spiritual understanding. This was a bit different from the usual way people practiced their religion back then, which often involved many rules and ceremonies led by priests.

The word "Alumbrados" means "Illuminated Ones" in Spanish. This name suggests they felt they had a special light or understanding from God. Isabel de la Cruz was an important leader in this group, helping to share their ideas and attract followers.

Why Were Their Beliefs Different?

The Alumbrados believed that true faith came from inside a person, through their own spiritual experiences. They thought that if someone was truly "illuminated," they might not need all the traditional church rituals or even priests to guide them. This idea worried the powerful religious leaders of the time. They believed that everyone should follow the exact teachings of the church.

Facing the Spanish Inquisition

Because the Alumbrados' ideas were seen as different from the official church teachings, they attracted the attention of the Spanish Inquisition. The Inquisition was a powerful religious court in Spain. Its job was to make sure everyone followed the official Catholic faith and to investigate anyone who had beliefs that were considered wrong or dangerous.

Isabel de la Cruz was questioned by the Inquisition for many years. This was a serious matter because having different religious ideas could lead to big problems. The Inquisition wanted to understand her beliefs and decide if they were acceptable or if they went against the church's rules.

The Outcome of the Questioning

After several years of questioning, from 1524 to 1529, Isabel de la Cruz was found to have held beliefs that were considered incorrect by the Inquisition. She was not allowed to continue teaching her ideas. This event shows how difficult it was for people to express different religious thoughts during that period in history.