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1100 - 1230AD 70 - 1700AD 1160 - 1318AD 1100-1500AD
Summary: Pierre de Brueys-Henri the Deacon-Sectarian names refused -The name Albigenses-Visits of brethren from the Balkans-The Perfect-Pro- vence invaded-Inquisition established-Waldenses-Leonists-Names- Tradition in the valleys-Peter Waldo-Poor Men of Lyons-Increase of missionary activity-Francis of Assisi-Orders of Friars-Spread of the churches-Doctrine and practices of the Brethren-Waldensian valleys attacked-Beghards and Beghines.
1100-1230AD BRETHREN FROM BOSNIA and other Balkan countries, making their way through Italy, came into the South of France, finding everywhere those who shared their faith. The teaching they brought with them found ready acceptance. The Roman clergy called them Bulgarians, Cathars, Patarenes, and other names, and, following the habit of centuries in Asia Minor and in time Balkan countries, affirmed that they were Manichaeans.
In addition to the circles to which these belonged, others were formed within the Church of Rome, * the result of spiritual movements which developed in such a way as to bring multitudes of persons, who belonged nominally to that communion, to leave the religious services to which they had been accustomed, and to gather around those who read and expounded to them the Word of God. Prominent among such teachers was Pierre de Brueys, an able and diligent preacher who for twenty years, braving all dangers, travelled throughout Dauphiny, Provence, Languedoc - see glossary , and Gascony - see glossary , drawing multitudes from the superstitions in which they had been brought up, back to the teachings of Scripture, until he was burned at St. Gilles (1126). He showed from Scripture that none should be baptised until they had attained to time full use of their reason; that it is useless to build churches, as God accepts sincere worship wherever offered; that crucifixes - see glossary should not be venerated - see glossary , but rather looked upon with horror, as representing the instrument on which our Lord suffered; that the bread and wine are not changed into the body and blood of Christ - see glossary , but are symbols commemorative of His death; and that the prayers and good works of the living cannot benefit the dead.
{* "Latin Christianity" Dean Milman.}
Introduction Home Page Pilgrim Church Index