Although John Wycliffe lived some 200 years before the Reformation, he is often referred to as "the morning star of the Reformation". Why? Wycliffe's studies and teachings, although done 200 years before, influenced the Reformation. At the tender age of thirteen Wycliffe entered Merton College at Oxford. During his time there, many prestigious and influential men in England knew him. He was known as "the flower of Oxford"1. People respected his opinions and teachings. John wrote several popular books teaching that the Church of England was wrong. Wycliffe taught against the practices of the English church. At the time of Wycliffe's ministry, the church owned a third of England's real estate. Wycliffe believed that such wealth was not essential in the duty of the church. Another of Wycliffe's controversial teachings was that the church was wrong to sell indulgences and forgive sin. Wycliffe taught that the only way to be forgiven was to believe in the forgiveness of God. One of Wycliffe's most controversial teachings was on the Catholic belief in transubstantiation. The idea was that, during the Lord's supper, the bread and wine actually transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This belief of course has no backing in scripture and was merely a false doctrine. Because of John's courage to teach about the Church, he was labeled a heretic, and falsely accused. Toward the end of his life, there were only a few who stood by his teachings. After his death, Wycliffe's teachings influenced the whole world. He was very influential in bringing religious freedom to England. One accomplishment of Wycliffe that cannot be ignored is his work to translate the Bible into English so that the "average Joe" could read it and understand it for himself. He and his dedicated followers completed this in 1382. The upper classes thought that Wycliffe's teachings encouraged the working class to demand better lives, and revolt against the government.2
1. Margaret Shand. Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia. 2 Oct. 2004
2. Peter W. Williams. "Wycliffe, John" The World Book Encyclopedia. 1994 Ed.
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