Today I will be reviewing the life of John Wycliffe.
John was born in 1320, in a village near Yorkshire, England. He earned his bachelors degree in theology from Oxford University. In 1374, he went to live in Lutterworth and lived there the rest of his life. He became a preacher man later on. More memorable, is the way he disputed many religious practices of his day. He said that Scripture and not the Pope was the only authority of the church, and preached against indulgences. These teachings were not well received by the Pope. Because of Wycliffe’s popularity in England and his beliefs about the Christian standard at the time, the Pope did not want to be perceived as power hungry so he did not persecute Wycliffe. Pope Gregory issued five documents against Wycliffe, but did not initially excommunicate him. Wycliffe thought it important that everyone be able to read the Bible in their own language. Until this day all church services of readings were done in Latin. The church felt that the Holy Word should be protected from everyday use, but Wycliffe claimed it was more important for everyone to have access to the Bible. Wycliffe was helped in his translation project by John Purvey. Purvey actually finished the Project after Wycliffe died, and it is thanks to him that we have the Wycliffe Bible today!!
While the church used other methods, Wycliffe stood against them and is remembered as one of the greatest preachers.
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