Person
John Hus
c. 1369 – 1415
Also known as Jan Hus
Czech Reformer who emphasized the sole authority of Scripture over popes and councils, opposed indulgences, and advocated for clerical reform and the simplicity of the early church.
Definition
(Jan Hus, c. 1369 – 1415 AD) Czech Reformer. Hus taught that Sacred Scripture was the sole authority and denied the supreme authority of popes and even of general councils. He opposed traffic in indulgences and was charged (despite his disavowals) with denying transubstantiation. He encouraged a return to the simplicity of the early church and continuation of the national liturgy, including the use of both species in the distribution of Communion. He strongly criticized abuses in the clergy, particularly in cases where the people were taken advantage of.
Connections
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- Influenced
- Bohemian ReformationTerm
- Hussite WarTerm
- Protestant ReformationTerm
- UtraquistsTerm
- Related to
- IndulgencesTerm
- TransubstantiationTerm
Sources
- 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 418Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 418.
Last revised August 14, 2026