Proto-protestantism

Proto-protestantism, also known as pre-protestantism, was the protestant movement preceding Martin Luther's reformation. Almost all followed Calvinistic soteriology.

Groups designated as pre-protestant often include:

• Novatianism (3rd century) - An early Christian sect founded by the theologian Novatian, heavily influenced by an anti-Roman sentiment and by the writings of Tertullian.
• Jovinianism (4th century) - An anti-imperialist movement founded by Jovinian, who criticized the monastic movement and argued for the equality of marriage and celibacy.
• Paulicianism (7th - 10th centuries) - An Armenian denomination founded by Constantine-Silvanus, which opposed the riches and unbiblical practices of the Byzantine church.
• Byzantine Iconoclasm (8th - 9th centuries) - A position supported by certain Byzantine Emperors opposed to the perceived idolatry of the established church.
• Waldensianism (12th century - present) - A medieval Christian movement founded by Peter Waldo, advocating poverty and preaching, eventually deemed heretical, persisting today as a Protestant denomination in Italy.
• Lollardy (14th - 16th centuries) - Followers of John Wycliffe, criticized Church corruption and advocated Bible translation and reform, leading to persecution in 14th-century England.
• Hussitism (15th century) - A militant anti-imperialist sect inspired by Jan Huss and Jan Zizka, sought religious reform in 15th-century Bohemia, leading to conflicts with the Catholic Church and the Hussite Wars.
• Moravianism (15th century - present) - A generally peaceful group branch originating in Moravia, and dispersing because of persecutions. Later known for their missionary zeal, they took part in pioneering spreading the gospel in places such as Greenland, the Caribbean, and North Africa.