What are the reasons for the rash of heresies in Catholic Eurpose in the 12th and 13th Centuries?

Question

What are the reasons for the rash of heresies in Catholic Eurpose in the 12th and 13th Centuries?

Answer 1

During the time of the Crusades, there was mobility among some groups which enabled them to see other lands and cultures, and those who returned to Europe discussed what they had seen and heard and learned.  As a result, some people began to think and question the accepted dogma of the church, and promulgated ideas that did not conform with the official teachings.  

Whether or not these "heretics" were brought to task and punished often depended upon whether the local bishop or archbishop was bothered enough to do anything about it.  Where they were not punished or only reprimanded the "heresy" flourished and spread through the population.  

After the advent of the printing press, it became possible for dissidents to spread their views to a larger population.

When the church began to deal severely with heretics, having them tortured and/or killed, the fact that the heretics were willing to die for the beliefs made others think and question too.  Often one "heresy" or line of thought, led to another.  Ultimately, after centuries, this led to the Enlightenment and the modern idea that people should be free to believe (or not) without being punished if they disagree with the official dogma and teachings.

Answer 2

You'll have to give examples what you are considering heresies in order to  properly answer the question.

Answer 3

Europe was undergoing very important transformation during the 12th and 13th century.  At this time, art, economy, and society flourished, and we call that golden age of feudalism.  Europe finally recovered from population and economic depression that started with the collapse of the Roman Empire.  The continent was dotted with cities that grew in size; and larger population put demand on commerce, agriculture, and craft.  This encouraged wider education and literacy and first universities were established.  Educated urban class did opened debate about the authority of the Church and meaning of the Scripts.  Universities, which were under control of the Catholic clergy, often became outspoken critic of the church.  This was the case of Prague University that was influenced by Paris and Oxford in the 14th century.  Many heretics from France at the end of the 13th century were able to spread their ideas to countries farther to the east (Kingdom of Hungary and Bohemia) due increasing contact between European courts, schools, monasteries, and cities.

First reform movement came within the clergy and church, but soon it crossed to wider population across the Europe.  Also increased contacts with Middle East and Orthodox Christianity encouraged thinking about different religions.  Heresy started at the most advanced European country at that time-France and within next two hundred years it was spread to other part of Europe due increasing mobility of the people.  Heretical movement in the 13th century had it core in the cities and especially among large population of poor but relatively free citizens.  The church went through transformation as many new ecclesiastical orders (Friars Minors Brethrens, Order of St. Clare, etc.) were suddenly caring for urban population instead retreating to wilderness.  Many of the criticism of the church came within these orders, who saw hypocrisy of the Papacy and the Catholic hierarchy.