Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RELIGIOUS REFORMER JAN HUS
Jan Hus was the Czech lands' foremost (and one of Europe's earliest) Christian
reformers, preceding Martin Luther and the Lutheran reformation by more than a
century.
Hus was born into a poor family in southern Bohemia in 1372. He studied at
the Karolinum (Charles University) and eventually became dean of the philo-
sophical faculty.
Like many of his colleagues, Hus was inspired by the English philosopher and
radical reformist theologian John Wycliffe. The Roman Catholic clergy neatly
meshed Wycliffe's ideas on reforming with growing Czech resentment at the
wealth and corruption of the clergy.
In 1391, Prague reformers founded the Bethlehem Chapel, where sermons
were given in Czech rather than Latin. Hus preached there for about 10 years,
while continuing his duties at the university.
Hus's criticisms of the Catholic Church, particularly the practice of selling in-
dulgences, endeared him to his followers but put him in the Pope's black book.
In fact, the Pope had him excommunicated in 1410, but Hus continued to
preach. In 1415, he was invited to the Council of Constance to recant his views.
He refused and was burned at the stake on 6 July 1415.
THE HUSSITE WARS & RELIGIOUS STRIFE
In contrast to the 14th century, the 15th century brought little but hardship and war to
the Czechs. Much of the good of the preceding years was undone in an orgy of
religion-inspired violence and intolerance. The period witnessed the rise of an impas-
sioned Church-reform movement led by Jan Hus (see boxed text on opposite page).
Hus's intentions to rid Rome's papal authorities of corruption were admirable, but his
movement ended up dividing the country. In 1419, supporters of Hussite preacher Jan
Želivský stormed Prague's New Town Hall and tossed several Catholic councillors
out of the windows - thus introducing the word 'defenestration' (throwing someone
from a window in order to do him or her bodily harm) into the political lexicon.
