Good Christians In Medieval Europe

The identity of Good Christians in medieval Europe defied the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike the monastic orders of the Church, they lived and preached in the world. They exhibited a righteous lifestyle and teachings that threatened the influence of the Church. The Good Christians contrasting beliefs were heretical in the eyes of the Catholic Church. For this infraction, they needed to be reeducated and brought back to the fold. Heretical teachings and beliefs would not be tolerated and those who would not conform were eradicated.
The Good Christians identities sprung from the examples of Jesus Christ and his apostles. They lived the apostolic model, a life of poverty and humility. They did not own property or possessions. The Elect, the leaders of the Good Christians, would rely on the hospitality and generosity of their followers. By following the apostolic model, the Good Christians claimed they were the “true Church” (Dean 25). In medieval times, the Roman Catholic Church was the only church. It was the
This was their way of establishing their identities in the community. The Good Women of Languedoc established sacred centers in their society (Dean 38). These gathering places were for fellowship and to hear the teachings of Jesus. They would take the teachings of the Gospel to the public along with their beliefs and sacraments. The Elect were treated as holy men and women, they were expected to live pure and chaste lives. This was comparable to the priest of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the Elect would preach against the admiration of the clergy. They condemned the Church and its priesthood with accusations of corruption and deceit. These criticisms of the Church’s authority lead numerous people to convert to the Good Christians beliefs. The hallowed identities of the Good Christians insulted the Church and its