Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - Persecution of the Waldenses in France

The sources describe the persecution of early reformers and the Waldenses by the Roman Catholic Church. The movement began with individuals like Berengarius around the year 1000, who preached Gospel truths and opposed the innovations and superstition brought in by Popery, emphasizing reliance solely on the Scriptures. Other preachers followed, including Peer Bruis and Henry of Toulouse.The reformer movement grew significantly by 1140, alarming the pope. Peter Waldo of Lyons became a key figure, leading the reformed to be called Waldenses or Waldoys. His activities caused Pope Alexander III to excommunicate Waldo and his adherents and command the bishop of Lyons to exterminate them, marking the start of papal persecutions against them.The actions of Waldo and the reformed prompted the first rise of the inquisitors. Pope Innocent III authorized certain monks to act as inquisitors, whose purpose was to inquire for and deliver over the reformed to the secular power. Dominic, a zealous monk sent to preach among the Waldenses, instituted the order of Dominican friars, and the members of this order became the principal inquisitors.The inquisitors operated with unlimited power and extreme severity. Their process was short; an accusation was deemed adequate to guilt, and a candid trial was never granted. Accusations were valid even from infamous sources or sent anonymously. Being rich was considered a crime equal to heresy, leading to accusations against the wealthy to force them to pay. Assisting those imprisoned for religion, even with minimal help, was prosecuted. Malice extended beyond the grave, with bones dug up and burnt. Property was confiscated, heirs defrauded, and Dominicans sometimes took possession of homes. These harsh persecutions continued for several centuries.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed