In celebration of Reformation Day, in addition to Luther, we’ll be looking at some of those reformers who are, perhaps, lesser known, but nevertheless paved his way–usually with their lives. One of the pervasive misconceptions about the Reformation is that it was a creation of that fateful day with the hammer in Wittenberg. In fact, as important and decisive as his contribution was, Luther stood on the shoulders of many who had gone before him, people who had been pulling the Papal thread of the re-sewn Temple curtain. Jan Hus was one of these people. From here:
One of Wycliffe’s followers, Jan Hus, actively promoted Wycliffe’s ideas: that people should be permitted to read the Bible in their own language, and they should oppose the tyranny of the Roman church that threatened anyone possessing a non-Latin Bible with execution. Hus was burned at the stake in 1415, with Wycliffe’s manuscript Bibles used as kindling for the fire. The last words of John Hus were that, “in 100 years, God will raise up a man whose calls for reform cannot be suppressed.” Almost exactly 100 years later, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses of Contention (a list of 95 issues of heretical theology and crimes of the Roman Catholic Church) into the church door at Wittenberg. More (of course) here.
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6 responses to “Luther didn’t start the fire: Jan Hus (1369-1415)”
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I like this little series.
Is today "Reformation Day," and if so, why? Is today the anniversary of the 1517 date?
(Never mind, I just looked it up – October 31.
Did Luther pick that particular date for a reason, does anybody know? All Saints' Day Eve, in particular? I wouldn't have though so, but don't know much about it….)
(Ah. "All Saints" church in Wittenberg, and the patronal feast the next day when lots and lots of people would be coming to services.
That sly fox….)
This Wikipedia article gives a good history of the day and the history of its observance:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day
Luther may have chosen Oct 31 (the eve of All Saints Day) to nail his 95 Theses to the door of the church because the name of that particular parish was All Saints.
It looks like the idea of celebrating the birth of the Reformation on Oct 31 didn't catch on until at least 100 years later.
This former Moravian, who now serves as an Episcopal priest, thanks you for including Jan Hus!
Hus' "Prophecy" says it all…
post tenebras lux!
Luther may have not lit the match, but
he certainly fanned the flame into a blaze, which by God's grace, shall never be put out.