What was the extent of the threat posed by the Waldensians to the Church in the 12th C?

INTRODUCTION

1 of 145

When did an anonymous ecclesiastical write write his treatise and how did it describe the Waldensians?

-1260s, -Waldensians described as the most dangerous of all heretics faced by the Church at this time,

2 of 145

What was one of the reasons this writer stated heretics were the most dangerous based on the length of their activity?

They were the most long-lived,

3 of 145

What is reason 2 for why the writer stated heretics were the most dangerous heresy based on who followed?

They were the most widespread heresy,

4 of 145

What is the last reason for why the writer stated heretics were the most dangerous heresy based on their threat to the church?

While other heretics taught repellent errors of faith, the Waldensians lived piously, believed everything in the Christian creeds and differed from the rest only in the 'blasphemies' with which they attacked the Roman Church, its clergy and rituals

5 of 145

Where did the Waldensians first appear and when?

In Lyon in the late 1170s

6 of 145

Who created this movement?

Organised by Peter Waldo

7 of 145

What were they otherwise known as?

The Poor of Lyon, the Poor of Christ,

8 of 145

How does Audisio describe Valdes' inspiration to the group and what are these three characteristics?

3 pillars of inspiration- Characterised by their dedication to biblical texts, undertaking life of poverty and preaching their example,

9 of 145

However, what soon happened with the church due to the Waldensian teachings?

Waldensian teachings quickly came into conflict with the Catholic church

10 of 145

By 1215, what had the church declared about the Waldensians?

Declared they were heretical and subjects to persecution,

11 of 145

OVERALL,, this essay will argue what about the church's perception of the Waldensian threat?

The church underestimated the threat of Waldensianism, focusing instead on Catharism

12 of 145

What did the Waldensans appear to protest based on the clergy?

The appeared a protest to the clergy's increasing wealth and riches,

13 of 145

What event the Waldensians cause later by sowing these seeds of 'dissaffection' towards the clergy?

The Protestant Reformation

14 of 145

HISTORIOGRAPHY

15 of 145

Up to the 1980s, how did histories present the Waldensian movement?

As a coherent and unified movement,

16 of 145

What two types of authors present two extremes of this interpretation?

Catholic and Protestant authors

17 of 145

How do Catholic histories present the heretical movment?

They underline the novely to the sect, condemning it as erroneous and morally wicked,

18 of 145

However how have Protestant historys presented medieval Waldensians as?

Presented medieval Waldensianism as medieval Protestants, sound in doctrine and morals

19 of 145

What does Biller state Protestant authors stress about Waldensianism by comparing them with Catharism and their survival?

Protestants stress that unlike Catharism, Waldensianism was not destroyed and survived into the 16th C, then joining the Protestant Reformation

20 of 145

How does Merlo expand on Biller's statement based on the reason for including this?

The reason Protestant authors exaggerate the Waldensian Orthodox elements is because as a Christian group, they don't want the history of a heretical group entering their ranks,

21 of 145

In the 19th C, what did German historians discover?

NEw sources and worked on Vaudois manuscripts

22 of 145

What particular work by what historian included these new sources?

Muller's general account of the Waldensians up to the mid-14th C

23 of 145

Who then produced an encyclopedia as a general guide to Waldensians and when?

1908, -Bohmer,

24 of 145

What new style of writing occured in the 20th C, including what approach towards evidence?

Deconstruction became the fashion in the academic studies of medieval heresies, including a sharpter and critical scrutiny of evidence

25 of 145

Old confidence gone, what began to seem in about what element of Waldensianism?

Scepticism developed about the identity, continuity and coherence of Waldensianism

26 of 145

Waht two historians forwarded this new approach?

Cameron and Merlo

27 of 145

What did MErlo aim to shrug off, recognising what about lal texts?

Aimed to shrug off tyrant of the older unitary view of medieval Waldensianism, recognising all texts were coloured in some way,

28 of 145

What did Cameron's history drive forward about Waldensianism movement?

Drive towards minimisation- Of numbers, spread, organisation, coherence, unity and historical continuity,

29 of 145

How did Biller explain Cameron's different approach as comapred to medievalists?

Due to his persepctive as an early modern historian- He looks backwards, noticing weaknesses, unlike medievalists who look forward,

30 of 145

PARA 1- LONG LIVED

31 of 145

When does Audisio argue the Waldensians origins are and why this date?

The 12th C, beginning when they founder, PEter Waldo, underwent a religious conversion,

32 of 145

What date does Audisio state historians would never use now?

No historian would claim they date back to the apostles

33 of 145

Where did this myth originate from, and why was it created?

Confusion for historians is die to the Poor of Lyons creating the myth to provide a guarnatee of authenticity, the worst accusation for a christian group being innovatory,

34 of 145

Although, how does Biller state this myth caused confusion?

Due to the writings of post-medieval confessional historiography who have their own agendas

35 of 145

Whike there is agreement on 12th C origins, is there debate around the end date?

The closing date for Waldensians still debated

36 of 145

Can we argue Waldensians are still here today?

Ys- Waldensian valleys in Piedmont and a Waldensian church in Italy

37 of 145

Which historian actually lives near what medieval Waldensian site? Are there still Waldensians there?

-Merlo, -Pinerolo, -No, but there are modern Italian Waldensians who live close,

38 of 145

When does Audisio place the end date of Waldensians, which is largely accepted? Why this end date?

-16th C, -When they merged into the Protestant reformation, losing the characteristics of medieval Waldensians,

39 of 145

OVERALL- How long did the heresy last in comparison to others?

No other medieval dissent managed to live so long,

40 of 145

In addition, when the Waldensians ended, were they ended by the church? Wsa this their finish?

-Waldensian not destroyed by the church, -They survived into the 16th C, joining the Protestant Reformation

41 of 145

Did the Waldensians survived past the Reformation based on their key characteristics?

They retained their name and sense of history but lost most of their earlier character and identity,

42 of 145

PARA 2- COMMUNITY

43 of 145

The spread of Waldensianism covers where with what three exceptions?

-Europe, -Exception of Engand, Iberian Peninsula and Scandinavia,

44 of 145

However, what serious problem did this spread cause?

It causes problems concerning the unity of the movement as the community,

45 of 145

Why was the community dispersed widely?

After they were expelled and classed as schismatics

46 of 145

How did the Poor of Lyons live across Europe?

Paradoxically, they lived as tiny minority with followers in a great many nations

47 of 145

What was the basic characterisitc of the community due to its subjection to persecution?

Life as a diasporo, forced to flee in various directions to ensure its survival,

48 of 145

What does Selge describe the Waldensians?

As isolated, revialist preachers all beloning to a community that had no fixed constitution and who crossed the country converting people'

49 of 145

ALthough what problem does Cameron note about the spread of Waldensians and if they were recorded?

Due to areas and periods, they may not have been discovered by inquisitor and simply lived in peace,

50 of 145

Eve nif they were recorded, what did Cameron state inquisitions still had a choice for?

They had a choice between minimisation and expanding their numbers

51 of 145

Overall, how do historians present this spread of Waldensians?

They describe it as impressive how far it reached

52 of 145

However, what do they note is the downside to this spread?

They could not unify,

53 of 145

ALthough, what does Cameron state about the nature of sources and recording of unity?

Cameron notes the bottom heavy nature of most of the evidence- Relatively little tends to survive of the upper strucutre of the Waldensian sects, their organisation or record keeping,

54 of 145

Therefore, waht id this spread mean for their threat to the church?

While they spread in various places, this actually made them less of a threat than one unified movement. Although this spread made them ore difficult to discover, hence why they lasted longer,

55 of 145

PARA 3- BIBLICAL SUPPORT- WERE WALDENSIANS A GREAT THREAT?

56 of 145

How did an anoymous chronicler in Lyon describe Valdes and his profession?

A local man named Valdes has 'amassed a great fortune through the sickened practice of lending interest'',

57 of 145

What did this chroncielr state Valdes heard one day?

Heard the minstrel singing about the life of St Alexius, wh owas an early Christian saint who exchanged a wealthy life for one of begging and spiritual bliss

58 of 145

From this day, what happened with Valdes?

He was fully converted to live the best way a Christian can

59 of 145

What was one of Valdes first actions while converted?

To hire 2 priests to copy and translate into the French vernacular many books of the Bible

60 of 145

WHy was this translation vital?

To making portions of the Bible accessible to lay people, including Valdes

61 of 145

After Vadles studied and learned these sacred texts by heart, what did Valdes commit himself to?

The goal of evangelical perfection

62 of 145

How did Deane describe what Waldensian and what was his important role in the group?

-Durand of Huesca, -One of the best knwon and eloquest voices of the Porr of Lyons, -Wrote the 'Liber Antiheresies'

63 of 145

How did Durand's treatise describe Waldensianism?

Described as Orthodox in context, but what set them apart was apostolic poverty and preaching

64 of 145

HOWEVER, as we progress later, what happened to Waldensian beliefs?

They were not entirely Orthodox

65 of 145

Who contradicts Deane based on what Durand himself believed?

-Audisio, -States Duran of Huesca rejected moderate predestination as taught by the church

66 of 145

When was the THird Lateran Council an who was put in charge of investigating their learning?

-1179, -Walter Map

67 of 145

What did Walter Map ask them to juge their orthodoxy, which was common in other investigations?

He first asekd if they believed in each person of the Trinity, followed by the Virgin Mary

68 of 145

What was the Waldensians response?

They said yes, they believed in the trinity and the Virgin Mary

69 of 145

Was this the correct answer?

No- THere is no correct answer

70 of 145

What was Map's judgement?

They were a threat

71 of 145

When and whre di Waldo make his Profession of Faith?

-1180-81, -Council in Lyon

72 of 145

Give some examples of what Valdes had to confirm?

He confirmed he believed in the Old and New Testament, the Trinity, John Baptist, one Catholic Church and all its sacraments, eve nif administered by a sinful priest,

73 of 145

Did he have a choice in what he confirmed?

He was forced to do so by the church

74 of 145

ALthough what two historians argue this profession was not to prove Waldensians orthdoxy?

-Audisio, -Cameron

75 of 145

What does Audisio state about why Vaudes make this profession based on Catharism?

Vaudes in his profession attested his followers anti-Cathar beliefs.

76 of 145

Likewise, what did Cameron state about why Vaudes made his profession based n Catharism?

The principal point was to refute any suggestion he subscribed to Cathar heresy

77 of 145

PARA 4- POVERTY

78 of 145

What quote from the Bible does Valdes based this evangelical poverty from?

;If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and given the moeny to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me!

79 of 145

How important was poverty to them based on their own named?

It was through this poverty they chose to define themsleves- Poor of christ and Poor of Lyons

80 of 145

Was Valdes giving up his possessions a powerful message?

Valdes was keeping with a trend taht was powerful at the time

81 of 145

Was evangelical poverty 'easy' to undertake?

No it was a large sacrific, meaning a loss of wealth and one's plae in the social order

82 of 145

How did his friends and family first view his decision. Did this feeling remain?

-They thought he was insane at first, -He soon attracted both female and male followers to his model of volutnay povery

83 of 145

When was there a serious famine afflicting Germany and France and how did he use his wealth to help?

-1173, -Used his wealth, he gave regular doles three days a week of bread, soup and meat to whoever asked for it,

84 of 145

What did their influence lead to by the majority, leading to creation of what groups?

Led to calls for evangelical poverty- Led to creation of Francsicans and Dominicans

85 of 145

However while the church authorities held the apostolic model in high regard, why was there anxities?

Over issues of implementation of the model, and need for authority of its supervision

86 of 145

How did the Poor compare themselves to th eclergy due to this poverty?

They beleived themselves Models of Orthodoxy, setting a fine apostolic example- Some say they saw themselves as better than Catholic hierarches

87 of 145

How did any profession of faith made the clergy look?

Bad- Implicit criticism in the striking contrast between voluntary impoverished barefoot Christians and richly garbed clergy

88 of 145

Not so implicit, what did Durand of Huesca state about the clergy in his Liber Antiheresies?

He criticised the 'greedy simony, pride, avarice, feasting... lechery and ther disgraceful acts' of the Catholic clergy,

89 of 145

what did Deane state about the Waldensian threat based on being ore Christian?

Posed a large threat as observant lay people began to think the Poor were more Christian like thanthe clergy

90 of 145

Likewise, what did Audisio state about the challenge Vaudes presented, threatening waht about the clergy;s prestige?

The challenge Vaudes presented was high, threatening the clergy's long history of unequalled prestige,

91 of 145

Although, was this fear just brought by Valdes?

No- By valdes day, unanticipated religious passion among the laity was ripe, beginning to disrupt the traditional order of Christendom.

92 of 145

PARA 5- PREACHING

93 of 145

What was the paradox of the Waldensians concerning their beliefs in the Catholic church?

-They taught Catholic doctrine, but paradoxically didn't believe in the churches right to forbid them to do so- Question of authority

94 of 145

What was Jesus' last message to his disciples?

'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation'

95 of 145

What dd Vaudes believe this meant for him?

He believed it was his duty to spread the word,

96 of 145

By doing this, what were the challenging the clergy;s monopoloy of?

Challenging the churches monopoly of the word

97 of 145

What three reactions did the Poor of Lyons provoke in the clergy?

First astonishment, then reprobation and finally condemnation of the church hierarchy

98 of 145

In the Roman Church, who could preach?

Only clergymen cluld preach as they had been trained

99 of 145

Who mostly formed around Valdes/ Could they preach?

Laymen, -They needed the consent of their local clergy, which war rarely given,

100 of 145

Why did they stop laymen preaching based on fear?

They feared ignorant preachers would spread error and confusion, sowing seeds for spiritual destruction

101 of 145

How did Bernard Gui state about where the Waldensians preaching?

Although being unlettered and ignorant, 'they went from villge to village going into people's homes and preaching in public squares and even in churches,

102 of 145

What did Bernard Gui describe as the effect of this preaching?

'LEaving behind them a host of misunderstandings and mistakes''

103 of 145

In the Middle Ages, what was the greatest concern based on afterlife?

Souls paramount to all other concerns so clergy were generally worried about souls of their flock,

104 of 145

What did what historian state about the threat of lay people who looked and acted like clergy?

-Deane, -Lay people who looked and aced like clergy with attempts to transcend and blue divisions deeply troubling,

105 of 145

However, who disagreed with Audisio stating what about preachers and the church's attitude?

Groups of itinerant preachers had multiplied, all more or less accepted by the church hierarchy

106 of 145

What is Audisio referring to based on why they left Waldensians largely alone?

As they were focusing on a greater threat- Catharism,

107 of 145

After 1180, the next 2/3 years was marked by what?

growing difficulties

108 of 145

What is one reason for growing difficulties occured based on Waldensians preachers?

Waldensian preachers played on anti-clerical sentiments

109 of 145

What is another possible reason based on priests?

Priests may have refused to grant right to preach, inspired by jealousy

110 of 145

What is another possible reason based on this right to preach?

Waldensians failed to get permission or even apply

111 of 145

What is another possible reason based on Waldensians and women?

Conversion of women- Unacceptable

112 of 145

Complaints from both sides reached what new archbishop? What was his response?

-Archbishop Jean aux Belles-Mains, -He forbade preaching

113 of 145

PARA 6- TURNING POINT

114 of 145

What two events occured in 1182 and 1184?

1182- Expulsion from Lyon, 1184- Council of Verona

115 of 145

From this point, what were the Poor categorised as, and what was their legal status defined by?

Schismatics anf formerly rooted within a legal status defined by disobedience,

116 of 145

Who was the new archbishop and what was his approach to the Poor of Lyon? What is a possible explanation for this?

-Jeanx aux Belles Maines, -No mood to tolerate Poor of Lyons, -PRevious archbishop was a Cistercian, this archbishop was devout Catholic,

117 of 145

In Songs of Songs, what ws valdes reaction to the archbishop?

'I will rise now and go about the city in the strets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves

118 of 145

What did the Poor continue to do leading to their epulsion in 1182?

They continued to preach

119 of 145

The Poor's decision would lead to what alongisde the Cathars?

Their marginalisation alongside the Cathars they despised

120 of 145

Who took over after the death of Pope Alexander, allowing for waht?

-Lucius III, -Opened way for different agenda

121 of 145

When was the Council of Verona and what treatise was implemented?

-1184, Ab abolednam

122 of 145

What did Lucius write in the Ab Abolednam?

He set forth a series of requirements to improve the spiritual supervision and prevent future outbreaks of heresy,

123 of 145

For example ,what did local bishops now have to do for any parish where heresy was reported?

Visit twice a year,

124 of 145

Did this condemnation stop the Poor?

No

125 of 145

What did Deane state about the Poor after this condemnation?

Despite condemnation, for another 30 years the Poor dealt with pragmatic tolerance

126 of 145

What did Taylor state about the Poor after this condemnation?

The Ab Abdolendam didn't mark an end to this tolerance towards Waldensians

127 of 145

Where did Vadles community leave to and what did they do?

-In small groups they ravelled through Southern France and Northern ITaky, committed to defend Catholic doctrine and preaching against Cathar heresy

128 of 145

How many official consultations and debated were there after the Ab Abolendam?

four

129 of 145

Before 1190, the consulation by both Waldensians and Catholics, who was the neutral judge chosen by both, and what was the outcome?

-Raymond of Deventer, -Waldensiasn ruled heretics,

130 of 145

When was another important disputation that occured where, when Durand of Huesca was perusaded to reconcile with the church?

-Aug/Sep 1207, -Pamiers

131 of 145

What group did Durand of Huesca created on his reconciliation?

Poor Catholics

132 of 145

How was this taken by the Waldensians and why?

A major hit for the Waldensians, as it wa soon after Valdes died

133 of 145

When did Pope Innocent II denounce Waldensians as heretics?

1215

134 of 145

What did this launch?

Several centuries of persecution that nearly destroyed the movement,

135 of 145

CONCLUSION

136 of 145

What author was writng in 1190 north of Narbonne?

Bernard of Foucade

137 of 145

How did he describe Waldensians?

As ;ravening wolves' and 'demonic heretics'

138 of 145

What did Bernard of Foucade state about how they must be driven from the ;folds of christ's sheep'?

Either by preaching or the rod of discipline

139 of 145

Where does Vaudes' originality lie in?

Remaining a laymen and remaining so

140 of 145

What did he refused to enter into?

An existing religious order- Refused to fit a mould

141 of 145

How did he present the laity's desire to do what?

To play a more important role in church which had become too clerical

142 of 145

How was the question of laymen preaching viewed by the chuch?

It threw a question into the very foundation of the Church

143 of 145

How was the challenge Vaudes presented and his legacy?

Vaudes presented a high challenge, and the legacy he left was similarly so,

144 of 145

The Catholi Church was a threat to Cathars, yet why was Waldensianism the worst threat?

In creating legitimate demands for reform of the clergy was lost, thus the seeds for more serious conflicts of th future sown- Led to Protestant Reformation

145 of 145

Get Revising

What was the extent of the threat posed by the Waldensians to the Church in the 12th C?

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

Comments

Similar History resources:

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

Comments

Related discussions on The Student Room

Similar History resources: