History
John Wycliffe: Morning Star of the Reformation
An overview of John Wycliffe, the 14th-century theologian who challenged the church and initiated the first English Bible translation.
What is it?
John Wycliffe (c. 1330-1384) was an English theologian, philosopher, and church reformer at the University of Oxford, often called the "Morning Star of the Reformation." He is best known for initiating the first complete translation of the Bible from Latin into Middle English, making scripture accessible to common people. Wycliffe challenged the authority and wealth of the papacy, arguing that the Bible, not the church hierarchy, was the supreme source of religious authority. He criticized practices like the doctrine of transubstantiation, indulgences, and the church's ownership of vast properties, advocating a return to the poverty and simplicity of the early church.
Why is it trending?
John Wycliffe remains a significant historical figure because his ideas were a direct precursor to the Protestant Reformation that swept through Europe over a century later. His arguments against papal authority and his emphasis on scripture alone (sola scriptura) were foundational to the teachings of later reformers like Jan Hus in Bohemia and Martin Luther in Germany. Wycliffe's followers, known as the Lollards, spread his controversial views throughout England, helping to lay the groundwork for the English Reformation. His questioning of established church doctrine and power structures continues to be relevant in discussions about religious authority and reform.
How does it affect people?
Wycliffe's most profound impact on ordinary people was his advocacy for a Bible in their own language. Before his translation efforts, the Bible was almost exclusively in Latin, making it inaccessible to the largely illiterate populace who had to rely on the clergy for interpretation. Providing an English Bible empowered individuals to engage with the scriptures directly, fostering a personal relationship with God without the need for priestly intermediaries. This challenged the church's monopoly on spiritual knowledge and encouraged literacy and independent thought, fundamentally altering the religious and social landscape of England and beyond.