Bogomilism was a medieval Christian sect that arose in the Balkans in the 10th century and spread through Eastern Europe in the High Middle Ages. The name comes from the Bulgarian priest Bogomil, who preached a dualistic theology in the First Bulgarian Empire during the reign of Tsar Peter I (927-969). The Bogomils rejected the institutions and hierarchy of the official Orthodox Church and did not recognize the authority of the state. They saw the physical world as the creation of Satan, and therefore rejected the ecclesiastical hierarchy, sacraments, relics, and icons of mainstream Christianity. Here is an overview of some of the key beliefs of the Bogomils:
Dualism
The Bogomils believed in a radical dualism between spirit and matter, good and evil. They saw the material world, including the human body, as created by Satan. The spirit was created by God and was ‘trapped’ in the material body as a consequence of Satan’s rebellion. The Bogomils completely rejected the material world and saw their duty as freeing their spirit from its bondage in the body through ascetic living. This dualism was influenced by the Paulicians and Manichaeans.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Rejection of Orthodox Doctrine
As a result of their dualism, the Bogomils rejected many of the doctrines and practices of the Orthodox Church. They did not accept the veneration of icons, reject the Eucharist and liturgy, and denied the virgin birth of Jesus. They saw the cross as Satan’s creation, intended to ensnare believers, rather than as a symbol of salvation. The Bogomils rejected the Old Testament and church hierarchy, and declared that churches were the dwelling places of evil spirits.
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Asceticism
In their attempt to free the spirit from the confines of the material body, Bogomil believers embraced an ascetic lifestyle. They abstained from meat, wine, and other pleasures of the flesh. Marital relations were strongly discouraged. The most devout Bogomils became “perfecti” who embraced poverty, celibacy and strict dietary restrictions. The perfecti provided spiritual guidance to other believers.
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Pacifism and Passive Resistance
Consistent with their ascetic philosophy, the Bogomils embraced pacifism and passive, non-violent resistance to authority. They refused to bear arms, pay taxes that supported war, or participate in capital punishment. When faced with oppression from the state or church authorities, they practiced civil disobedience and accepted martyrdom without resistance.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Scriptures and Theology
The Bogomils rejected most of the Old Testament, regarding it as Satan’s work. They did accept the Psalms and the books of the prophets. Their main sacred text was an adapted version of the Gospel of John. In their theology they were Adoptionists, believing that Jesus Christ was entirely mortal at birth, and only became the Son of God when he was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on him. Christ’s earthly body was also considered Satan’s creation.
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.” (Matthew 3:16)
Church Services and Rituals
Because they rejected the Orthodox liturgy and sacraments, Bogomil church services consisted mainly of readings from their adapted Gospel of John, the singing of spiritual songs, and prayers. Baptism was reduced to a simple ritual of placing a gospel on the head of the catechumen. The Eucharist was rejected, though they did practice a symbolic communal meal with bread, salt and water. Bogomils practiced frequent fasting and confessed their sins to their spiritual elders rather than to priests.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
Church Organization
The Bogomils had a decentralized church organization led by elders (“teachers”) and perfecti who provided spiritual guidance and instruction. They did not use church titles like priest, bishop or pope. Women could also become perfecti and teach. There were no church buildings, only private homes used for prayer meetings and instruction. This lack of hierarchy was seen as a more faithful return to the original church described in the New Testament.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Spread and Influence
Bogomilism spread from Bulgaria along trade routes to Serbia, Bosnia, Dalmatia, Macedonia, Italy, Northern France and Flanders. It was embraced by a significant portion of the population in Bosnia. The Patarenes, a similar heretical sect, arose in Italy and Southern France. The Catholic Church organized crusades against the Bogomils in Bosnia, but eventually resorted to the inquisition to suppress the heresy. Many Bogomils converted to Islam under Ottoman rule to escape persecution. Bogomilism contributed to the development of the Waldensians, Cathars and other medieval sects advocating apostolic poverty.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways about the beliefs and practices of the medieval Bogomils:
- They embraced a radical dualism that saw the material world as Satan’s creation.
- Rejected Orthodox doctrines, sacraments, relics, icons.
- Lived ascetic lifestyles renouncing pleasures of the flesh.
- Rejected violence and embraced pacifism and passive resistance.
- Rejected much of the Old Testament and adapted the Gospel of John as their main scripture.
- Had an adoptionist Christology, believing Jesus became divine at baptism.
- Rejected church hierarchy and titles in favor of elders and spiritual teachers.
- Influenced later medieval sects like the Cathars and Waldensians.