Synopses & Reviews
The Poor of Lyons, whom their detractors called "Waldensians"--after the name of their founder Waldo (or Vaudès)--first emerged around 1170 and formed a sect that embraced evangelism, prophesy and poverty. Challenging prohibition by following the Scripture to the last letter, they were condemned as heretics. The Waldensians constituted the only medieval heresy to have survived to the dawn of the so-called "modern" period. Their tale of simple devotion mixed with a fierce tenacity serves to illuminate aspects of religious belief that have persisted to the present day.
Synopsis
The Waldensians constituted the only heretical group to have survived to the dawn of the so-called 'modern' period. Emerging first in around 1170 they were condemned as heretics, yet they survived across Europe until the sixteenth century. This book tells their unique story of quiet separateness, fear and persecution.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 225-228) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface; Introduction; 1. 1170-1215: decisive and purposive origins; 2. The thirteenth century: the need to adapt; 3. The fourteenth century: the challenge of believing differently; 4. The fifteenth century: the risks of longevity; 5. The constraints of a life in hiding; 6. The need to organise; 7. A culture of their own; 8. The sixteenth century: the end as a way forward?; 9. Epilogue: the Waldensian church; Conclusion.