John Wycliffe has for centuries been known by the nickname Morning Star as many point to him being the first proto-reformer who paved the way for the English Reformation. In the video, we will examine this concept and ask the question if John Wycliffe truly was a proto-reformer, or if this title might be slightly misguided.
0:00 Introduction to the life of John Wycliffe
0:45 Early Childhood
1:06 Higher Education
3:05 5 Major Beliefs of Wycliffe
3:32 Kings should have temporal authority over Popes
3:57 Scripture Should be Available to Everyone
4:52 Lambasted the Avignon/Roman Controversy
5:17 Popes Should be Subject to Scripture
6:07 Rejection of Transubstantiation
7:04 Pope Gregory XI vs Wycliffe
7:56 Attempted Trial of Wycliffe
8:40 Death of Pope Gregory XI
9:06 Avignon Controversy/ Great Western Schism
11:20 Peasant Revolt of 1381
12:05 At Court Again
13:32 Wycliffe Death
14:17 Legacy as the Morning Star
14:40 Lollards
15:33 Stamping out Wycliffe's Legacy
16:23 Morning Star of the English Reformation
John Wycliffe, the "Morning Star of the English Reformation," emerged in the 14th century, advocating for significant theological and political reforms. Born around 1320-1330, he received an excellent education, earned degrees at prestigious universities, and secured teaching positions.
Wycliffe's academic journey led him to head Balliol College Oxford and engage with various churches. His belief in the importance of theological studies gained the support of Archbishop Simon Islip, who offered him a leadership role at Canterbury Hall. However, upon Islip's death, Wycliffe was replaced, leading to his frustration.
After this setback, Wycliffe changed his ambition and began to work passionately translating the Latin Vulgate into Middle English and earned theology degrees, which transformed his focus from personal glory to spreading Christ's message through accessible Scripture. His core teachings included:
-Kings should have temporal authority over Popes, challenging the Church's leadership role.
-Advocacy for Scripture's significance in the lives of everyday Christians, opposing the restricted access to Scripture.
-Criticism of the Avignon and Roman Papal leadership, arguing that papal authority had lost its global supremacy.
-Belief that the Pope should be subject to God's Word, emphasizing accountability and modesty.
-Rejection of Transubstantiation, challenging the Fourth Lateran Council's stance on the Eucharist.
Pope Gregory XI's response was typical of the Catholic Church, condemning Wycliffe and sending bulls against him in May 1377. Wycliffe's confinement in Oxford was temporary, as he enjoyed political support from influential figures like Joan of Kent.
However, Pope Gregory XI's death in 1378 initiated the Great Western Schism, reflecting the flaws in papal leadership. Wycliffe seized this turmoil to continue his critique of the Church.
The Peasant's Revolt in 1381 further associated Wycliffe with anti-papal sentiments, despite his connections to royal families. In 1382, Archbishop William Courtney convened an ecclesiastical assembly that resulted in an earthquake, interpreted differently by both sides.
The assembly declared ten of Wycliffe's teachings as heretical and fourteen as erroneous, leading to their prohibition. Government support for prosecution was mixed due to Wycliffe's political connections, causing discord.
Wycliffe persisted in criticizing the Church, attracting followers known as Lollards. However, in December 1384, he suffered a stroke while saying Mass, passing away on December 31st.
Wycliffe's impact extended beyond his lifetime. He was considered a "proto-reformer," influencing later reformers through his teachings. His legacy can be summarized in two ways:
-The Lollards, continued his beliefs, including rejecting the Papacy, transubstantiation, and advocating for Scripture's importance.
-The Council of Constance, in 1415, officially declared Wycliffe a heretic and sought to erase his legacy. His works were ordered to be burned, and his remains were exhumed and burned in 1428.
Wycliffe's resilience and contributions to challenging the Catholic Church's authority earned him the title "Morning Star of the English Reformation," though he is often overlooked compared to later reformers like Luther, Calvin, and Knox.