Waldensians, TERM

Teachings

The Waldensians, while mistakenly associated with the Cathars, notably differed in their teachings and beliefs. They firmly accepted several Catholic doctrines like the Trinity and Eucharist, though some later adopted a symbolic interpretation of the Eucharist. Originally, they believed in Christ's real presence in the Eucharist and the necessity of priests for Mass, but opposed sinful priests administering the Eucharist. Their practices sought to reflect early Christianity, emphasizing a simple faith with a focus on scripture and rejecting various Catholic traditions. Key beliefs included Christ's atonement, the Godhead, the fall of man, the incarnation, and voluntary poverty. They denied purgatory and rejected infant baptism, priest confession, saint veneration, and other Catholic practices. They critiqued the Catholic Church, calling it corrupt and identifying the Pope as the Antichrist. Over time, especially after the influence of Guillaume Farel, the Waldensians adopted Reformed theological positions during the Cianforan conference in 1532, marking a shift in rejecting certain secular and ecclesiastical structures.