Week Thirty-Three: John Hus

When and where was John Hus born?

John Hus was born in 1369 in Husinec, Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic). His surname came from the town’s name.

What university did John Hus attend, and what degrees did he earn?

Hus attended the University of Prague, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1393 and a master’s degree in 1396. Humanity has always loved expensive paperwork.

When was John Hus ordained as a priest?

Hus was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1400.

What important positions did Hus hold in Prague?

Hus served as rector of the University of Prague in 1402–1403 and became preacher at Bethlehem Chapel in Prague.

Which reformer strongly influenced John Hus?

Hus was heavily influenced by John Wycliffe, whose writings criticized corruption in the Church.

How did Hus help spread Wycliffe’s ideas?

Hus translated some of Wycliffe’s works into Czech and helped distribute them, despite Church bans.

What kinds of problems in the Church did Hus preach against?

Hus denounced the moral corruption and failings of clergy at every level of the Church.

What decree did Pope Innocent VII issue in 1405?

In June 1405, Pope Innocent VII condemned Wycliffe’s teachings and forbade further attacks on the Church.

What happened to Wycliffe’s writings in Prague in 1409–1410?

A papal bull ordered Wycliffe’s writings surrendered and rejected. Hus appealed the order, but he was excommunicated, and Wycliffe’s books were burned in 1410.

Which pope promoted the sale of indulgences, and why?

John XXIII sold indulgences in 1410 to finance a crusade in Italy, which Hus strongly opposed.

What major Church conflict was occurring during Hus’s lifetime?

The Great Schism or Western Schism divided the Church with rival popes competing for authority. Medieval Christianity: now with extra management confusion.

Who convened the Council of Constance, and why?

Sigismund of Hungary called the Council of Constance to end the Western Schism and restore Church unity.

What promise did Sigismund make to Hus before the Council of Constance?

Sigismund guaranteed Hus safe conduct, promising he could travel safely to and from Constance.

What happened to Hus on November 28, 1414?

Hus was imprisoned at Constance despite his guarantee of safe conduct because Church leaders considered him a heretic.

What condition did Hus give for recanting his teachings during his 1415 trial?

Hus said he would recant if he could be shown from the Bible (Scripture) where he was wrong.

Why was John Hus condemned in July 1415?

Hus was condemned for supporting Wycliffe’s ideas and for teachings expressed in his book On the Church.

How and when did John Hus die?

Hus was burned at the stake for heresy on July 6, 1415, in Constance, Germany. His ashes were scattered in a river to prevent followers from honoring his remains. Humans really commit to symbolism when frightened of dead theologians.

What group carried on Hus’s reform movement after his death?

Hus’s followers were called the Hussites.

What were four major goals of the Hussites?

• Freedom to preach openly

• Bread and wine for all believers in the Eucharist

• Punishment of serious sins, even among clergy

• Church poverty and reduced Church property ownership

What were the two major Hussite groups, and what happened to them?

The Hussites split into the moderate Ultraquists and radical Taborites. In 1433, the Ultraquists compromised with Catholic authorities at the Council of Basel, and in 1434 they helped defeat the Taborites.