After reading all of the sources posted to moodle and interacting on the forum, I have chosen two sources that have significant impacts on the middle ages in multiple ways. The two sources I have chosen are the following: the Waldensian Heresy and Aquina’s Five Proofs for the Existence of God.
In terms of the Waldensian Heresy, Peter Waldo is often referred to. He was a wealthy merchant who underwent a spiritual conversion. He began to live a lifestyle that often practiced giving his goods to the poor and preaching the gospel. In fact, he went out to evangelize, allowing him to gain quite a following. In this, he wanted the approval for layman preachers but the papancy didn’t approve as there was no framework laid out for layman preachers. In addition, the papancy worried about what would happen to their reputation if they allowed laymens to go preach. Following the disapproval of the papacy, the group of people (Peter Waldo and his following) became known as the Waldensians who practiced by mainly begging. Their main beliefs consisted of no marriage, no sexual relationships, the divinity of Christ, the salvation of Jesus, and the power of the bible (even if they didn’t correctly interpret it). They rejected the authority of priests as they believed that everyone was capable of preaching and taking away people's sins. They lived on their own individual merit. All of this combined led to their group getting excommunicated in 1184 through the heresy of contempt for ecclesiastical power. They taught false teachings and judged people (which is God’s responsibility that he has the power to do, not us). However, there are some who consider themselves Waldensian today. All together, this is significant due to the fact that this heresy directly went against the Church’s beliefs, this shows that there are specific guidelines to what the church will accept. This also displays that the Church highly prioritizes the truth and the words of the Bible and will not compromise that for any heresy. In this way, this heresy shows the strength and power of the church, and their dedication to the truth.
Additionally, the Five Proofs for the Existence of God was significant to both the Church and the middle ages. These proofs were written by Thomas Aquinas who was a philosopher who defended religious ideals. He is significant as he displayed the relationship between theology and philosophy, supporting the church while doing this. The Five Proofs for the Existence of God was a famous work and is divided into three main parts. However, more importantly, it gives five reasons (theologically) that God is real. For instance, the first proof is the argument from motion. This principle states that there must have been an original, or first mover in order for everything else to be in motion. In that way, God would be the first mover, and his movement allowed all things to have movement and potential. The second proof is the argument from efficient cause which states that everything must have a cause behind it that triggered it to happen. This implies that God is the first cause, as without him there would be nothing. He caused life. The third proof is the argument from necessary being stating that something must exist at all times because you can’t produce nothing from nothing. In that sense, God is the one who exists at all times and allows for the existence and creation of many things through him. Next, the fourth proof is the argument from gradation which displays that there is a gradual increase in complexity. In that sense, God is the most complex and is the highest form of good, allowing him to be perfect. He does not sin and he is God, therefore, he is above us. Lastly, the fifth argument from design is based on the principle that the universe cannot be the result of pure chance, and thus there needs to be planning and designing behind it. In that way, God is the designer. These statements not only defended the church and it’s teaching, but also connected philosophy and theology which didn't occur previously.
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