In the realm of religious history, claims of an unbroken lineage tracing back to the 12 apostles have been used to assert religious authenticity and authority. Among those who have made this audacious assertion are figures like Herbert W. Armstrong, Herman Hoeh, the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), and the Armstrong “Church of God” splinter groups that still embrace Armstrong's teachings. Their narrative hinges on the belief that they represent “The Truth” or the "True" form of Christianity, an assertion built upon the supposed historical link to Peter Waldo and the Waldenses. But as we delve deeper into the historical records and scholarly scrutiny, a different story unfolds. This blog post will expose the erroneous and purposeful twisting of historical facts by Armstrongism and its affiliated groups to bolster their claim of tracing their religious heritage to the apostolic era, ultimately positioning themselves as the guardians of “Apostolic Christianity” or “Original Christianity.”
Part 1: The Waldenses - Who Were They?
Before we unravel the manipulation, let's first understand who the Waldenses were. The Waldenses, also spelled Valdenses, also called Waldensians, Italian Valdesi, and also known as the French Vaudois, were followers of Peter Waldo, a wealthy merchant from Lyon, France, who gave up his riches and devoted himself to preaching the gospel and living in poverty. Waldo and his followers translated the Bible into the vernacular language and criticized the corruption and abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. The Waldensians were a Christian movement that emerged in the late 12th century in the Alpine valleys of northern Italy and southern France. They were known for their adherence to a simple and austere form of Christianity, emphasizing poverty, preaching, and scripture reading. They were persecuted by the church and the state and forced to flee to the Alpine regions of France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Part 2: The Armstrongist Claim
Armstrongism and its off-shoot splinter groups claim that the Waldenses were an entirely separate entity from the Roman Catholic Church and that they were actually part of the true church that preserved the original doctrines and practices of Christianity, such as observing the Sabbath on Saturday, keeping the Jewish festivals, and rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity, setting them apart as a crucial link to connect their modern-day organizations to the early Christian Church. They also claim that the Waldensians were connected to other groups that shared similar beliefs, such as the Celtic Church in Britain, the Paulicians in Asia Minor, and the Anabaptists in Germany. However, these claims are based on distorted and selective use of historical sources and evidence. In reality, the Waldensians were not a monolithic or uniform group but rather a diverse and evolving movement that had different theological views and historical developments over time.
Part 3: The Historical Manipulation
Here are some of the ways that Armstrongism misrepresents the history of the Waldensians:
Erroneous Separation from Catholicism: One of the most significant manipulations is the assertion that the Waldenses were entirely separate from the Catholic Church. In reality, their relationship with the Catholic Church was complex. While they did hold differing theological views and were often at odds with the Catholic Church, the Waldenses were not a separate, distinct entity but rather a reform movement within the Catholic Church.
The Waldensians did not predate Peter Waldo: Some Armstrongists claim that Waldo was not the founder of the Waldensians, but rather a reformer who joined an existing movement that dated back to apostolic times. They base this claim on some vague references to ancient Christians in the Alps by some medieval writers, such as Bernard of Foncald and Eberard de Béthune. However, these references are not reliable or specific enough to identify them as Waldensians. The earliest historical evidence for the Waldensians comes from Waldo’s own writings and testimonies in the late 12th century.
The Waldensians did not have a consistent or coherent theology: Some Armstrongists claim that the Waldensians held to a set of doctrines that matched those of Armstrongism, such as British Israelism, anti-Trinitarianism, Sabbatarianism, and millenarianism. However, these doctrines are not found in any of the original documents or confessions of faith produced by the Waldensians themselves. Rather, they are imposed on them by later writers who had their own agendas and biases. The Waldensians had various theological influences and debates over time, such as Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Catharism, Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Arminianism. They also adapted their beliefs and practices according to their historical circumstances and cultural contexts. Historical records and scholarly research show that while the Waldenses had their unique practices, the claims imposed on them have been exaggerated. Their beliefs and practices were more diverse than the simplified narrative presented by Armstrongism.
The Waldensians did not have a continuous or unbroken lineage: Some Armstrongists claim that there was always a remnant of faithful Waldensians who survived persecution and preserved their identity throughout history. They also claim that they can trace their genealogy back to these Waldensians through various family names or heraldry symbols. However, these claims are based on speculation and conjecture rather than solid evidence or documentation. The Waldensians suffered many losses and divisions over time, especially during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation periods. Many of them joined other Protestant churches or returned to Catholicism. Others assimilated into their surrounding cultures or migrated to other countries.
Part 4: The Motivation
The question arises: Why would Armstrongism and its splinter groups twist these historical facts to make such a bold claim? The answer lies in their theological and organizational goals. By asserting a direct link to the apostolic era and promoting themselves as the "True" form of Christianity or “Original Christianity,” these groups strengthen their own authority and appeal.
Part 5: The Impact
This manipulation of historical facts has had a significant impact on the belief systems and practices of Armstrongism and its affiliates. It has fostered a sense of uniqueness and righteousness among their members, creating a clear divide between them and mainstream Christianity.
Conclusion: The Truth Unveiled
The historical manipulation surrounding Peter Waldo and the Waldenses in the context of Armstrongism serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of twisting historical facts to support theological claims. The reality, as uncovered through scholarly research and historical records, is far more nuanced than the simplified narrative presented by these Armstong “Church of God” groups. It reminds us of the importance of a critical and discerning approach when assessing historical claims in the realm of religious history. While the claim of an unbroken chain might be compelling, it should always be scrutinized, and the historical record should be upheld as an essential source of truth and accuracy.
Therefore, Armstrongism does not have a valid historical basis for claiming a connection to or continuity with the Waldensians. Rather, it uses selective and distorted history to support its own theological agenda and identity. The Waldensians were a complex and dynamic movement that cannot be reduced to a single or simple narrative. They deserve to be studied and appreciated on their own terms rather than appropriated by others for their own purposes.
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