Reformation Reformers: Wycliffe, Hus, Luther, and Calvin

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key reformers of the Reformation: Wycliffe, Hus, Luther, and Calvin.

John Wycliffe

An English early dissenter who lived before Martin Luther, advocated for the Bible in the vernacular, and believed the Bible was the highest authority.

Vernacular

The everyday language ordinary people speak.

Jan Hus

A Czech early reformer and dissenter influenced by John Wycliffe who criticized Catholic Church doctrines and practices, and was burned at the stake as a heretic in 1415.

Doctrine

An official religious teaching or belief.

Heretic

Someone the Church says teaches beliefs that go against official doctrine.

Martin Luther

A German monk and major leader of the Protestant Reformation who believed in salvation through faith alone and authored the 95 Theses.

Indulgence

A Church grant connected to reducing spiritual punishment for sin.

95 Theses

Luther's list criticizing Church practices, especially the selling of indulgences, written in 1517 and traditionally posted on the church door in Wittenberg.

Recant

To take back one's ideas.

John Calvin

A major Protestant reformer who came after Luther, led a reform movement in Geneva, Switzerland, and established a theocracy.

Predestination

The belief that God had already decided who would be saved.

Theocracy

A government strongly based on religion and religious law.

Presbyterian Church

The church that developed from Calvinist ideas.

Chronological Order of Reformers

Wycliffe -> Hus -> Luther -> Calvin.