The Reformers

John Wycliffe  (c. 1330-1384)

The Morning Star of the Reformation

Though he lived two hundred years before the Reformation, his beliefs and teachings closely match those of Luther, Calvin and other Reformers.  

Wycliffe was born in Yorkshire, England, sometime between 1320 and 1330 and died in Lutterworth, England, in 1384.

Wycliffe was greatly concerned about many aspects of the Catholic Church.  For example, he strongly disagreed with the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation.  Further, he was greatly bothered by the ecclesiastical-political law making of his time. 

Wycliffe believed that all men should have access to the bible.  One of Wycliffe's major contributions was seeing that the bible was translated into English.  Under Wycliffe's direction several translators helped to produce a translation from the Vulgate into Middle English.  His translations were handwritten and bound (remember the moveable type printing press was not invented until around 1450).  These bibles were widely distributed around England.  They were denounced by the Catholic Church. 

Wycliffe died in 1384.  The Council of Constance held on May 4, 1415 declared Wycliffe a heretic and order his books burned and his that his remains be exhumed and burned.  This was actually carried out 12 years latter when Pope Martiv V had Wycliffe's remains dug up, burned and the ashes cast into a river.

John Huss (c. 1369-1414)

John Huss was born in Bohemia (part of modern Czech republic).  He was educated in Prague.  He became a professor of theology in 1398 and ordained to the priesthood in 1400. 

Huss was greatly influenced by Wycliffe.  He was concerned by many many of the Catholic church practices that he felt were abuses including certain practices regarding the sacrament and the the selling of indulgences.

In 1409, the pope issued edicts against Wycliffism which had spread throughout Behemia (Wycliffe's doctrines could not be taught and his books were to be burned). Huss, himself, was eventually excommunicated in 1411.   

In 1414, Huss was summond to the Council of Constance with the promise that his life would not be in danger even if he were found guilty. He was told to recant his heretical teachings.  Huss refused.  Huss was subjected to further trials.  Finally, in June 1415, still refusing to recant his beliefs and teachings, he was found guilty of heresy and sentenced to death to be burned at the stake.