Heresy and Literacy in the High Middle Ages

This chapter explores the relationship between rising literacy rates and the emergence of heresies, particularly the Cathars, during the high Middle Ages. It discusses the role of vernacular Bible translations in justifying heretical beliefs and the church's response, notably Pope Innocent III's nuanced stance on interpretation. The analysis also sheds light on the complex dynamics between authority, accessibility, and the historical context surrounding Bible translation in England and Europe.