The church’s anthropology and soteriology (doctrine of salvation) allowed a system of indulgences to develop. Based on the notion that Jesus and the saints had built up a treasury of merit that could be shared with worthy Christians, the indulgence at first applied only to penalties imposed by the church on earth. One of the earliest examples of this practice was Pope Urban II’s grant of a plenary indulgence to the knights of the First Crusade. Over time the benefits of the indulgence were expanded to include penalties imposed by God in purgatory, and ultimately the means of acquiring an indulgence were so diluted that one could be purchased. The granting of indulgences proved to be a popular way of raising money for the church particularly because, unlike tithes, it was voluntary.

By this means crusades, cathedrals, hospitals, and even bridges were financed. In Luther’s day immediate release from purgatory was offered, and the remission not only of penalties but even of sins was assured. Thus the indulgence encroached upon the sacrament of penance. At this time, the Bible was literally unknown to lay people, as it existed only in Latin, making it inaccessible to the majority of the populous. Thus, Valdez's most lasting contribution to the religious controversy during this period, was his successful efforts to create a translated version of the Bible into common language. This allowed for the Bible to be read and interpreted to a degree never before seen; and so too, served as the foundation for Waldensian belief, that of preaching. Their desire to preach the truth cost them a great deal. Their freedoms were curtailed while their lives were constantly at risk. Many young Waldenses who launched out as missionaries were often martyred for their faith.

In 1179, Valdez and some of his followers met with Pope Alexander III before the Third Lateran Council in Rome, to face charges against them. The council scrutinized the Waldensian Biblical translations and subjected the representatives to theological questioning, in hopes of exposing them plainly as unworthy and unfit to preach. However, seeing the inherent good that the Waldensians might have for Christianity, Peope Alexander III ceded that they be allowed to preach, only if permission was received by local churches. This failed to stop Valdez or the Waldensians from continuing to practice and preach their views and interpretations of the translated Bible. In 1182, Valdez refused to cease his preaching when ordered to do so by the archbishop of Lyons.