Tuesday 30 October 2007

0

Hus, Jan
(1373-1415)
Bohemian Reformer

John Hus was a reformer who became inspired in his work after Lollards, lay followers of John Wycliffe in England, and brought his ideas to Bohemia. Like Wycliffe, Hus condemned the abuses and corruption in the church and argued that the holy scriptures were superior to any human, including clergy and the pope. Thus, anyone who did not strictly obey the Bible - even the pope - should not themselves be obeyed.

Hus eventually became the head of the University of Prague, providing him with a very powerful and very public position from which he could spread his ideas. Over time he acquired the support of not only the King but also many of the people throughout Bohemia. The pope excommunicated him, but that did not stop his preaching or his reform efforts - indeed, the excommunication may have made him more famous and popular.

Because of the conflict, Hus was invited to attend the Council of Constance in 1414, which had been convened specifically to address Hus' arguments. Trusting the pope, Hus agreed to attend, but he was arrested and put in trial. Naturally, he was convicted and burned at the stake, but this failed to stop his ideas and a Bohemia experienced a huge uprising among his supporters.
Author Image

About Boaly
Gary has been involved in printing the Scriptures for 20 years, enjoys photography and rambling online

No comments: