Gundolfo orGundulf is purported to be a teacher ofProto-ProtestantChristian doctrines in the 11th century. OfItalian origin, he was said to be active in thebishopric of Cambrai-Arras in northernFrance (south ofLille) around 1046 during the episcopate ofBishopGerard of Florennes.[1]
Gundolfo was heavily influenced by the preaching and teaching ofBerengar of Tours and his teaching about the supremacy of scripture. Gundolfo could himself be considered an earlyBerengarian.
Gundulfo rejected thesacraments and authority of theCatholic Church and claimedsalvation by a righteousness based on reading of thescriptures rather than onCatholic Churchdogma. His teachings emphasized that salvation was achieved through a virtuous life of abandoning the world,[2] restraining the appetites of the flesh,[3] earning food by the labor of hands,[4]doing no injury to anyone, and extendingcharity to everyone of their own faith.
Following a lengthy sermon by Gerard, followers of Gundulfo recanted their radical beliefs and were received back into the Church. The source of Gundolfo's teachings is unknown but may be compared toCatharism and to theWaldensians.
Details surrounding the remainder of Gundolfo's life are scarce, including when and where he died.
The later preacher and reformer known asPeter of Bruys was said to be influenced by him.
Because Gundolfo and his followers are only known from a single, uncorroborated text from around 1200 inCîteaux, a prominent monastic house battling heresy, there are doubts as to the historical veracity of Gundolfo's existence.[5]
It is possible that the narrative of Gundulfo's followers being questioned and corrected by Bishop Gerard was a rhetorical framing device for the treatise against heresy he was already intending to publish. However, the fact that it does not contain reference to other radical positions being preached in the region lends some credibility to the figure and story having some basis in historical reality.[6]