Peter of Bruys

Peter of Bruys was a 12th-century religious reformer and preacher in medieval France, known for advocating radical changes in Christian practices. He challenged the established Church by rejecting infant baptism, the veneration of saints, and the use of church buildings for worship. Peter promoted a direct relationship with God and emphasized personal faith over ritual. His ideas contributed to early movements that questioned church authority and sought reform before the Protestant Reformation. Although he faced heavy opposition and persecution, his teachings influenced later dissenters in the history of Christianity.