Blackwell Reference Online

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[xiii.b] Medieval Christian Dualist sects included the Cathari (‘the pure’), called Albigenses in southern France. They rejected the flesh and material creation as evil. The soul's salvation comes by liberation from the flesh, marriage and the eating of animal matter being forbidden for the ‘perfect’ minority. The rest postponed baptism into ‘perfection’ until near death. This movement (linked with a distinctive civilization in southern France) was suppressed by a Crusade and inquisition (i.e. special court for the trial of heretics) in the 13th century. The Waldensians in 12th-century France somewhat resembled later Protestantism and still exist today. The rather similar English Lollards originated with John Wyclif (c. 1330–84). His emphasis on predestination and a purified church influenced the Hussites (John Huss, c. 1369/72–1415) [45]. This movement, affected by nationalist feeling, weakened Catholic influence in Bohemia. Some (‘Bohemian Brethren’) later linked up with the Reformation, and a remnant was revived by the Moravian brethren. [157; 193] ... log in or subscribe to read full text