in the middle ages who would have been considered the heretic by the church
In the Middle Ages, one who would have been considered a heretic by the Church could vary depending on the time and place. However, there were certain religious and philosophical beliefs or practices that were generally considered heretical by the Church. Some examples include:
1. Cathars/Albigenses: The Cathars, also known as Albigenses, were a religious sect that believed in dualism and rejected many Catholic teachings, including the authority of the Church and the sacraments. They were considered heretics and targeted by the Church during the Albigensian Crusade.
2. Waldensians: The Waldensians were a Christian movement founded by Peter Waldo, who advocated for poverty, voluntary simplicity, and the direct translation of the Bible. They were labeled as heretical by the Church for their rejection of certain Catholic practices.
3. Lollards: The Lollards were followers of John Wycliffe, an English theologian who questioned the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The Lollards believed in translating the Bible into the vernacular language and criticized the Church's wealth and hierarchy, among other things.
4. Hussites: The Hussites were followers of Jan Hus, a Czech theologian who criticized the Catholic Church for its corruption and called for reform. They rejected certain Catholic teachings, such as the authority of the Pope and the practice of indulgences.
5. Jews and Muslims: During the Middle Ages, Jews and Muslims were often considered heretics by the Church due to their non-Christian beliefs. They faced persecution and were often targeted during religious conflicts and the Spanish Inquisition.
It is important to note that the definition of heresy and the specific individuals or groups considered heretics may have varied across different time periods, regions, and religious authorities within the Church.