The Waldensians: Forerunners of the Reformation

People sometimes claim that Protestant views were new to the 16th century, but in fact there were many proto-Protestant groups throughout the medieval era that anticipated Protestant concerns. Here I give an overview of one such group, the Waldensians, followers of Peter Waldo (12th century). I cove a bit of their history and some of the persecutions they faced, and then a bit of their theology.

Truth Unites is a mixture of apologetics and theology, with an irenic focus.

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai.

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00:00 - Did Protestant Beliefs Start in the 1500s?
02:19 - Proto-Protestant Groups
07:45 - Waldensian History
14:55 - Waldensian Theology

[TruthUnites]

Hey everybody, thanks for the positive feedback on this one! Two clarifications:

1) I mistakenly said that Pope Francis called the Waldensians the "first evangelicals." My bad! That was actually the language of the article reporting Francis' apology, not the apology itself. It doesn't affect the main point of the video but I still wanted to clarify that.

2) 1120 A.D. is the date generally given for the Waldensian Confession (yes, before Peter Waldo himself), but some scholars have challenged that date on the basis of the wording of some of the books in the canon in article 3. I don't have enough knowledge about this to have an opinion. Again, it doesn't really change the point of the video, but I wanted to flag this for attention and encourage people to do their own research.

[TheologicalQuest]

Excellent video on the Waldensians. I read an article on the "Catholic Answers" website after watching this video. There was no apology for the murdern of men, women and little children (some children were killed by bashing them on rocks). They were only refererred to as "heretics" though their believes would fit well with most protestant churches today. I have went back and forth in looking at Orthodox churches/beliefs and lately Catholic beliefs, but when you see some of the things done by the Catholic Church it's hard to see how they were led by God.

[scrtandwhspr]

The names of the proto-protestant groups for those who want to look into them later: Bohemian Reformation/Jan Huss, Arnold of Brescia, the Tondrakians, Peter of Bruys, Henry of Lausanne, the Dulcinians, Girolamo Savanarola, and the Spiritual Franciscans.

[toomanymarys]

You're nicer than I am. My initial reaction was that there would have been a lot more Protestantism if the Roman church had not kept setting them on fire.

[OmniumOwl]

Your last point was right on. One of the big reasons that Calvin and Luther were able to make it was that they had governments, with their armies, between them and the RCC. Other reforming groups didn't have that.

[glof]

Catholic here - this is such a fascinating video. Thanks Dr. Ortlund

[NoInnovation]

I will be attending seminary next year. This channel and videos like this played a large factor in my choice of concentration being church history. Thanks for all of your hard work, brother. It is most appreciated! This stuff is fascinating!

[benitosanchez]

You are quickly becoming one of my top favorite content creators. Pastoral and Theological.

[beowulf.reborn]

I was literally researching the Waldensians about 8 hours ago, and got frustrated about the lack of info (especially first-hand info) available, and was going to ask you to do a video on the topic ... so, frustrated I went to bed, and then wake up to find you posted this video about an hour after I gave up on my own search.

[Knewms]

This video is SUPER helpful. I feel like I keep digging and digging and I’m only scratching the surface or Protestant history. I wish I could take a full term class from you.

[jumpingmoose]

I actually learned about this group from a side quest in the video game "kingdom come deliverance" I was shocked at seeing characters in that medieval era speaking like regular Christians. So I wanted to look up more info, I was curious if there were pre protestant people before the reformation. And this vid helped me a lot.

[ModLil]

Thank you for your caring sensitive treatment of the subject. I am Waldensian. Thank you!

[mikedawson]

Gavin, you really need to write a book on this topic. It would provide a more nuanced perspective to Church history that is needed, and I think you would be uniquely suited for the task.

[riverjao]

WHY IS NO ONE ELSE ACTUALLY SHARING AND TEACHING THIS INFO?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Thank you!

[annapobst]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏 Wow i am so glad and grateful for your channel!! This rich historical informatiln IS so valuable and important. Greetings from Germany

[TheRoark]

Wow, whenever I thought about the crusades against heretical groups in the Middle Ages I always assumed that those groups under condemnation must have believed some really heretical stuff. It was so eye opening to look at the Waldensians and see something so similar to my own beliefs staring back. I can’t imagine the horror of that situation for them.

Also, I just received your book “Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t” in the mail today! Starting it tonight!

[DrBob-grru]

Thanks, Dr. O. Now I have to have that little thought needling me in the back of my mind that is saying "Start taking seminary classes online". 😂

In all seriousness, your comment on studying these issues in an academic context is something I have been thinking about, even though I am in another profession and would only be serving my local church as a layman. My interest in church history goes back more than a decade when a young Roman Catholic walked into my life with a goofy shirt saying "Ask me why I am Catholic" and I took the bait. That started a friendship that lasts to this day and he gave the opening benediction at my wedding reception. I remember watching the John Huss and John Wycliffe movies for the first time. Really gave my an interest in Church history and caused me to pick up Schaff, whom I have been reading ever since. Great video, as always, Dr. O!

[tjimmy]

I've only just discovered your channel and already love it. I appreciate your sincere attempt to unite via understanding one another, not compromising the truth and with a humble and contrite spirit. You are taking on a tough challenge but I believe your endeavor is critically important and will succeed.

[josegeda]

Wow! This is very intriguing and informative. Thanks for exposing us to church history.👍🏾

[markmorris]

Well done! I first became aware of Waldo on an episode of It Is Written. Being from NC, I know about the Waldensian settlement, here in the mountains. Famous for their bakeries, a tradition that goes back to the peddling of baked goods by Peter Waldo and his followers.