early and medieval christian heresy
university of oregon, spring 2015
The Beguines were lay religious women in the 12th and 13th centuries. They were devoted to living apostolic lives according to the scriptures, vowing to stay chaste and often live in voluntary poverty. The movement began in the Low Countries and quickly spread throughout Europe. Originally, like many of the heresies in the medieval period,… Continue reading The Beguines and The Mirror of Simple Souls
In the late 1100’s Peter Waldes had a transformation of thought and belief. He was a rich man, and it is assumed that he acquired his wealth though “wicked practice of lending interest.” He heard someone singing about St. Alexius, who had given up his wealth to live the life of a beggar and in… Continue reading Waldensians: the Poor Heretics
The Gospel of Thomas is an interesting text to those who are familiar with the synoptic gospels. Many of Jesus’ sayings are the same as found in Matthew, Mark and Luke, with slight variations and no context whatsoever. Even without context behind the sayings, one can obtain glimpses as to what the theology of these… Continue reading Gospel of Thomas
The Acts of Thecla is an example of a text that challenges the orthodox Christianity that we are all familiar with today. It presents a different side to the story, one that focuses on a woman’s role in the family and ministry. Our knowledge of women’s roles in society goes beyond what is found in… Continue reading Acts of Thecla