About
John Wycliffe (c. 1330-1384) was an English theologian and reformer, educated at the University of Oxford. He became a doctor of divinity in 1372 and was appointed rector of Lutterworth in 1374. He is known for producing the first complete translation of the Bible into Middle English, from the Latin Vulgate. From 1378, he systematically criticized the Roman Catholic Church, notably denying transubstantiation. Protected by John of Gaunt, his teachings were condemned at the Council of Blackfriars in 1382. His followers, the Lollards, spread his ideas. Declared a heretic posthumously, his remains were exhumed and burned in 1428. Called the 'morning star of the Reformation', he influenced Protestant reformers.
* 1320-01-01 — † 1384-12-28
Major works
- Wycliffe's Bible (c. 1382)Bible translation
- De Veritate Sacrae Scripturae (1378)theological treatise
- De Dominio Divino (c. 1373)theological treatise
- De Civili Dominio (c. 1376)theological treatise
Key milestones
- 1372Received his doctorate in theology at the University of Oxford.
- 1382His teachings were condemned by the Council of Blackfriars.
- 1428His remains were exhumed and burned on the orders of Pope Martin V.
Themes
Authority of ScriptureChurch reformBible translationCritique of transubstantiationGrace and ecclesiastical authority
Sources: britannica.com · plato.stanford.edu