Week Thirty-Two: John Wycliffe

Who was John Wycliffe?

A leading English philosopher, theologian, and reformer during the late Middle Ages who challenged church and political authority.

Where was John Wycliffe born?

In Yorkshire, England, on a sheep farm about 200 miles from London.

What major event influenced Wycliffe during his college years?

The Black Death.

What university was central to Wycliffe’s life and career?

Oxford University.

When did Wycliffe receive his doctorate?

In 1371.

What church position did Wycliffe hold beginning in 1374?

Rector of Lutterworth.

What was Wycliffe’s main criticism of the Church?

He believed the Church abused its power and had become corrupt.

What was Wycliffe’s chief political idea?

“Dominion is founded in grace.” meaning unjust rulers did not automatically deserve obedience because authority should depend on righteousness.

What major church crisis began in 1378 and distracted attention from Wycliffe?

The Western Schism.

What three main subjects did Wycliffe focus on in his later teachings?

The Church, the Eucharist, and the Scriptures.

What did Wycliffe teach about the head of the Church?

Christ alone was the true head of the Church.

What Catholic doctrine did Wycliffe reject?

Transubstantiation, the belief that bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ during the Eucharist.

What did Wycliffe believe about the Eucharist?

The bread remained bread, and receiving Christ depended on the faith of the individual.

What did Wycliffe believe about the Bible?

Everyone should have direct access to Scripture and a personal relationship with God.

What important translation project is associated with Wycliffe?

Translating the Bible into English, often called the Wycliffe Bible.

What were Wycliffe’s followers called?

Lollards.

How were the Lollards treated in England?

They were heavily persecuted because authorities feared their teachings threatened church and social order. Humanity really does panic whenever peasants start reading.

When did Wycliffe die?

December 31, 1384.

How many charges did the Church condemn Wycliffe on in 1415?

260 counts.

What happened to Wycliffe’s remains in 1428?

They were dug up, burned, and scattered in a river.