Proto-protestantism

Proto-protestantism, also known as pre-protestantism, was the protestant movement preceding Martin Luther's reformation.

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.