1. A Tale of Two 'Johns'
How Jan Huss and John Wycliffe Began the Reformation

2. John Wycliffe The Ideological Reformer From England 1328-1384
Thought the church should abandon its political interests. Wealth and spirituality do not mix!
The best church is a poor church. Wycliffe wanted the church to sell all of its lands and buildings to the king.
Only the bible could define faith (Sola Scriptura)

3. Jan (John) Huss The Anti-Corruption Reformer Czech Republic 1369-1415
Thought that the church did not have morals!
Attacked indulgences, the papal schism and Simony
These forms of corruption threatened the soul of the church
If it is not written in the bible, it should not be done!

4. What Did These Men Have in Common?
Both were extremely devote Christians who felt they had to speak out to save the soul of their faith
Both felt that religion had become too involved in politics and that a return to the simplicity of scripture was crucial
Both faced extreme persecution for their attempts at Reform!

5. What Happened to Wycliffe?
Despite his life-long conflict with the church, Wycliffe died of a stroke before he could be punished.
Accused of 'Heresy' after he was already dead.
His bones were exhumed and burned along with all of his books. Any followers of his teachings faced a similar fate.

6. What Happened to Huss?
After refusing to stop his criticisms of the church, Huss was tried and charged with Heresy.
He was given multiple chances to recant his ideas, but unless he could be proven wrong by the bible he refused.
Huss was burned at the stake and is now considered a martyr of Christianity.