Wycliffe, John (1330-1384)
Place of Birth: Near Richmond, Yorkshire
Description: “The Morning Star of the Reformation,” English reformer
Education: Studied Balliol College, Oxford, a brilliant scholar; became able member of Oxford faculty, received doctor of theology (1372)
Influences: Influenced by Augustine's writings
Conflict with Church of Rome: Preached in Oxford and London against pope's secular sovereignty; publicized ideas by tract and leaflet; outspoken attack on Church of Rome caused his summons before bishop of London at St. Paul's (1377); pope condemned his writings; received strong support from the people, scholars, and English nobles
Beliefs and Teachings: Proclaimed a pure gospel acknowledging Bible as only source of truth; rejected infallibility of pope; believed papal decrees were only valid if in harmony with Scriptures, clergy were to serve and help, not rule; challenged transubstantiation, indulgences, religious orders, purgatory, and other Roman dogmas
Christian Work: Enlisted body of “poor priests” (later called Lollards) to evangelize and spread his views (1380); archbishop of London prohibited his preaching; translated first English Bible
Writings: Wrote Trialogues emphasizing obedience to Scripture and conscience
Posthumous Persecution: writings condemned at Council of Constance (1415) and burned; his body later exhumed and burned
Influence on Others: His views were carried to Prague and John Hus by Oxford students and kept alive the Reformation
Biographies: Professor Lechler, John Wycliffe and His English Precursors, translated by Dr. Lorimer, London: Religious Tract Society, 1904; Reginald Poole, Wycliffe and Movements for Reform, New York: Anson Randolf & Co., 1889
