Arnold of Brescia (1090-1155) was, oddly enough, born in Brescia, Italy. Joining a house of Augustinian canons in his native city, Arnold rose to become prior of the monastery. He began preaching what he called “Apostolic Poverty”, by which he meant that the Church should own nothing – most especially real estate. At the time, the bishop/count of Brescia was the supreme temporal head of the city, and had been since 844. Stung by Arnold’s preaching, the bishop confiscated the property of Arnold’s monastery; Arnold was forced to leave, and went to Paris.
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Heretic of the week: Arnold of Brescia
arnold of brescia (1090-1155) was, oddly enough, born in brescia, italy. joining a house of augustinian canons in his native city, arnold ro...
Charles Coulombe

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