Appearance of the Waldensians
At a glance:
- Series: Chronology of European History
- Categories: Religion, Ethics
- Subcategories: Christianity, Christians, Churches, Protestantism, Protestants, Catholic Church, Catholics
- Curriculum: Italian History, Medieval History/Middle Ages, French History
- Geographical Location: France, Italy
- Date: c. 1175
Article abstract: The excommunication of the Waldensians from the medieval Catholic Church for preaching heretical beliefs is considered one of the marks of the beginning of the Protestant movement in Europe.
Summary of Event
The first Waldensians advocated a return to the simple type of Christianity reflected in the Gospels, unencumbered with ecclesiastical organization or hierarchical structure. They possibly named themselves after Peter Waldo, a rich merchant of Lyons who in 1176 decided to distribute his wealth to the poor and established a lay order...
[The entire page is 1400 words long]