Czech theologian and philosopher
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Všimli jste si někdy, že žádné slovo nezačíná na „e s háčkem“? Víte, kdo tento znak do češtiny zavedl? Jan Hus to nebyl. Nejen o historii tohoto unikátního písmena nám poví náš bohemista.
Všimli jste si někdy, že žádné slovo nezačíná na „e s háčkem“? Víte, kdo tento znak do češtiny zavedl? Jan Hus to nebyl. Nejen o historii tohoto unikátního písmena nám poví náš bohemista.Všechny díly podcastu Okolo češtiny můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.
In this week's episode, I take a historical digression to look at the four major Thomases of the English Reformation - Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragonskull series at my Payhip store: QUEST25 The coupon code is valid through March 9 2026. So if you need a new ebook this winter, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 292 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is February 27th, 2026. Today we are taking a digression into history by looking at the four Thomases of the English Reformation (with one bonus Thomas). We'll also have Coupon of the Week and a progress update on my current writing and publishing projects. First up, let's do Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragonskull series at my Payhip store. That coupon code is QUEST25 and as always, the links to the store and the coupon code will be available in the show notes of this episode. This coupon code is valid through March 9th, 2026. So if you need a new ebook this winter, we have got you covered. Now for an update on my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. I am very nearly done with Cloak of Summoning. As of this recording, I am 35% of the way through the final editing pass. This episode should be coming out on, let's see, March the 2nd. I'm hoping Cloak of Summoning will be available a few days (hopefully like one or two days) after this episode goes live, but we'll see how things go. In any event, it should be out in very early March, which is not far away at this point. I'm also 14,000 words into Blade of Wraiths, the fourth book in my Blades of Ruin epic fantasy series. Hopefully that will be out in April, if all goes well. That's my secondary project right now, but once it gets promoted to primary project once Cloak of Summoning is available, my new secondary project will be Dragon Mage, which will be the sixth book in the Rivah Half-Elven Thief series. I'm looking forward to that since it is going to bring to an end a lot of ongoing plot threads. So it should be quite a fun book to write and hopefully to read. That should hopefully be out in May or possibly June, depending on how things go. In audiobook news, Cloak of Titans, the audiobook narrated by Hollis McCarthy, should be available in more audiobook stores than it was this time last week, though it's still not on Amazon, Audible, or Apple. Brad Wills is working on recording Blade of Storms and I think the first six chapters are done. Hopefully we should have those audiobooks available to you before too much longer. So that is where I'm at with my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. 00:02:18 Main Topic: The Four Thomases of the English Reformation Now without further ado, let's get to our main topic and it's time for another of my favorite topics overall, a digression into obscure points of history. I've mentioned before that Wolf Hall (both the TV show and the book) is a lot easier to understand if you are at least passingly familiar with the key figures of the English Reformation, which happened during the reign of King Henry VIII. But who were these key figures? I had a history professor who said that to understand the English Reformation, you need to know about the four Thomases of the English Reformation: Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer, since each one of them altered events in a major way. Fun fact: only one of the four died from natural causes and right before he was about to go on trial for treason, which would have likely ended with his execution. The English Reformation was a tumultuous time and the Tudor court was not a place for the faint of heart or the morally scrupulous. So let's talk about the four Thomases and one bonus Thomas today. But first to understand them, we should look at three background trends that converged and boiled over during their lifetimes. #1: Henry VIII needs an heir. King Henry VIII was quite famously married six times and executed two of his wives in his quest for a male heir. To the modern era, this sounds odd and chauvinistic, but one of the errors of studying history is assuming that the residents of the past had any interest in 21st century standards of behavior. By the standards of Henry's time, having a male heir to assume the kingdom after his death was absolutely vital. In fact, an argument could be made that Henry was attempting to act responsibly by going to such lengths to father a male heir, though naturally he went about it in a spectacularly destructive and self-absorbed way. Remember, Henry's father, Henry VII, came to the throne after a 30-year civil war, and there were noble families that thought they had a better claim to the throne than Tudors and would be happy to exercise it. A good comparison is that the lack of a male heir for Henry VIII was as serious a crisis as a disputed presidential election in 21st century America would be. You can see evidence for this in Henry's famous jousting accident in 1536. For a few hours, people were certain that he was dead or was about to die, and this incident caused a brief constitutional crisis. If Henry died, who would rule? His daughter, Mary, who he had just declared a bastard? His young daughter Elizabeth from Anne Boleyn? His bastard son, Henry FitzRoy? A regent? One of the old families who thought they had a claim to the throne? Now, these are the sort of questions that tend to get decided by civil wars, which nobody wanted. So Henry needed a male heir and it weighed on him as a personal failure that he had been unable to produce one, which was undoubtedly one of the reasons he concluded that several of his marriages had been cursed by God and needed to be annulled. Though, of course, one of Henry's defining traits was that his self-absorption was such that nothing was ever his fault, but a failing of those around him. #2: The Reformation is here. At the same time Henry was beginning to have his difficulties, the Protestant Reformation exploded across Europe. The reasons for the Reformation were manifold. There was a growing feeling across all levels of society that the church was corrupt and more concerned about money than tending to Christ's flock, a feeling not helped by the fact that several of the 15th and 16th century popes were essentially Renaissance princelings more interested in luxury, money, and expanding the power of the papal states than in anything spiritual. Many bishops, archbishops, abbots, and other high prelates acted the same way. The situation the early 16th century church found itself in was similar to American higher education today. Many modern professors and administrators go about their jobs quietly, competently, and diligently, but if you want to find examples of corruption, folly, and egregious waste in American higher education, you don't have to try very hard. Reformers could easily find manifold examples of clerical and papal corruption to reinforce their arguments. Additionally, nationalism was beginning to develop as a concept, as was the idea of the nation state. People in England, Scotland, Germany, and other countries began to wonder why they were paying tithes to the church that went to build beautiful buildings in Rome and support the lavish lifestyle of the papal court when that money might be better spent at home. For that matter, the anti-clericalism of the Reformation was not new and had time to mature. At the end of the 14th century, Lollardy was a proto-Protestant movement in England that challenged clerical power. In the early 15th century, the Hussite wars in Bohemia following the teachings of Jan Hus were a preview of the greater Reformation to come. Papal authority had been severely damaged by the Great Schism at the end of the 14th and the start of the 15th century when two competing popes (later expanded to three) all tried to excommunicate each other and claim control of the church. In the aftermath, Renaissance Humanists had begun suggesting that only the Bible was the proper source and guide for Christianity, and that papal authority and many of the church's practices were merely human traditions that had been added later and were not ordained by God. A lot of the arguments of the Reformation had their earliest form from the writers of the 15th century. Essentially, the central argument of the Reformation was that the believer's personal relationship with God is the important part of Christianity and doesn't need to be mediated through ordained priests in the official sacraments of the church, though such things were still important. Of course, all the various reformers disagreed with each other about just how important and what the nature of that relationship was, how many sacraments there should be, and what the precise relationship between the individual, the church, and the state should be (and that argument got entangled with many other issues like nationalism), but that was a central crux of the Reformation. So all these competing pressures have been building up, and when Martin Luther posted his statements for debate on church reform in October of 1517, it was the equivalent of lighting a match in a barn that had been stuffed full of sawdust and was suffering from a natural gas leak. #3: The printing press. So why did Luther's action kick off the Reformation as we know it and not the other proto-Protestant movements we mentioned? I think the big part of that is the printing pass, perhaps the biggest part. The printing press did not exist during the early proto-Protestant movements, which meant it was a lot harder for the ideas of reform to spread quickly. The Lollards in particular wanted to translate the Bible into English instead of Latin, but the Bible is a big book and that is a lot of copying to do by hand. In 1539, after a lot of encouragement from Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII decreed that an English Bible should be placed at every church in England. In 1339, that would have been an impossible amount of copying by scribes. In 1539, thanks to the printing press, it was essentially on the scale of the government embarking on a mid-sized industrial project, perhaps a bit of a logistical and organizational challenge and you have to deal with contractors, but by no means impossible. The printing press made it possible for the various arguments and pamphlets of the Reformers to spread quickly throughout Europe. Luther published tracts on a variety of religious and political topics for the rest of his life, and those tracks were copied, printed, and sold throughout Europe. In fact, he had something of a flame war with Thomas More over Henry VIII's "Defense of the Seven Sacraments". Kings and governments frequently tried to suppress printers they didn't like, but the cat was out of the bag and the printing press helped drive the Reformation by spreading its ideas faster than had previously been possible. AI bros occasionally compare modern large language model AIs to the printing press as an irreversible technological advancement, but one should note that the printing press of the 16th century did not require an entire US state's worth of electricity and an unlimited supply of water. So those were some of the undercurrents and trends leading up to the English Reformation. With that in mind, let's take a look at our four Thomases. #1: Thomas Wolsey. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was Henry's right hand man during the first 20 years of his reign and essentially the practical ruler of England during that time. He started his career in Henry's reign as the almoner, essentially in charge of charity, and it ended up becoming the Lord Chancellor of England. Since Henry was not super interested in actually doing the hard work of government, Wolsey ended up essentially running the country while Henry turned his full enthusiasm towards the more ceremonial aspects of kingship. Wolsey was an example of the kind of early 16th Century church prelate we mentioned above, more of a Renaissance princeling than a priest. However, as Renaissance princelings went, you could do worse than to have been ruled by someone like Wolsey. And if you were a king, you would be blessed to have a lieutenant as diligent in his work as the Cardinal. Granted, Wolsey did amass a large fortune for himself, but he frequently patronized the arts, education and the poor, pursued some governmental reforms, and deftly maintained England's position in the turbulent diplomacy of the time. He was also much more forgiving in questions of religious dissent than someone like Thomas More. Wolsey was the most powerful man in England at his apex, and the nobility hated it for him because his origins were common. So long as he had Henry's favor, Wolsey was untouchable and the nobility couldn't move against him. But the royal favor came to an end as Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon was unable to produce a son. Since Catherine had previously (and briefly) been married to his older brother Arthur before Arthur's death, Henry became convinced (or succeeded in convincing himself) that his marriage was cursed by God for violating the prohibition against sleeping with your brother's wife in the book of Leviticus. His eye had already fallen on Anne Boleyn and Henry wanted an annulment and not a divorce in his marriage with Catherine. In the eyes of God, he would never have been married at all, and then he could marry Anne Boleyn with a clear conscience. Here, Wolsey's gift for diplomacy failed him, but perhaps it was an impossible task. Catherine of Aragon was the aunt of Emperor Charles V, who at the time was the most powerful man in Christendom. All of Wolseley's efforts to persuade the pope to annul the marriage failed, partly because the pope had already given Henry VIII dispensation to marry his brother's widow. Wolsey's failure eroded his support with the king. Anne Boleyn likewise hated Wolsey partly because she believed he was hindering the annulment, and partly because he had blocked her from marrying the Earl of Northumberland years before she had her eyes set upon Henry. Finally, Henry stripped Wolsey of his office of Lord Chancellor, and Wolsey retired to York to take up his role as archbishop there. Wolsey's popularity threatened Henry and Anne, so Henry summoned him back to London to face treason charges. Perhaps fortunately for Wolsey, he died of natural causes on the journey back to London. His replacement as Lord Chancellor was Thomas More, the next of our major for Thomases. #2: Thomas More. More was an interesting contrast-a Renaissance Humanist who remained a staunch Catholic, even though Renaissance Humanists in general tended towards proto-Protestantism or actual Protestantism. He was also in some ways oddly progressive for his time. He insisted on educating his daughters at a time was considered pointless to educate women about anything other than the practical business of household management. Anyway, More's training as a lawyer and a scholar led him to a career in government. He held a variety of posts under Henry VIII, finally rising to become the Lord Chancellor after Wolsey. In the first decades of his brain, Henry was staunchly Catholic and despised Protestantism, in particular, Lutheranism in general and Martin Luther in particular. In 1521, Henry published "Defense of the Seven Sacraments" against Luther, and More helped him write it to an unknown degree. In their dislike for all forms of Protestantism, More and Henry were in harmony at this point. More was involved in hunting down heretics (i.e. Protestants) and trying to convince them to recant. During his time as the Lord Chancellor, More ended up sending six people to be burned at the stake for heresy, along with the arrest and interrogations of numerous others. This rather clashes with his "humanist man of letters" aspect, but More was undoubtedly convinced he was doing the right thing. And while he might have believed in education, he most definitely did not believe in freedom of conscience in several areas. To be fair to More, in the view of many at the time, Protestants, especially Anabaptists, were dangerous radicals. Likely More viewed hunting heretics in the same way as some modern politicians view hunting down covert terrorist cells or surveilling potential domestic terrorists. Harsh measures true, but harsh measures allegedly necessary for the greater good of the nation. However, the concord between More and Henry would not last. Henry wanted to set aside Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn, which More staunchly opposed. More especially opposed Henry breaking away from Rome and becoming head of an independent English Church. At first, More was able to save himself by maintaining his silence, but eventually Henry required all of his subjects take an oath affirming his status as head of the church. Thomas Cromwell famously led a deputation to try and change More's mind, but he failed. More refused, he was tried on specious treason charges, and beheaded in 1535. Later, the Catholic church declared him the patron saint of politicians. This might seem odd given that he oversaw executions and essentially did thought police stuff against Protestants, but let's be honest-it's rare to see a politician even mildly inconvenience himself over a point of principle, let alone maintain it until death when he was given every possible chance to change his mind. Probably the most famous fictional portrayals of More are A Man For All Seasons and Wolf Hall. I would say that A Man For All Seasons was far too generous to More, but Wolf Hall was too harsh. #3: Now for the third of our four Thomases, Thomas Cromwell. After Wolsey's fall and More's refusal to support Henry's desire to either annul his marriage to Catherine or to make himself head with the church so he couldn't annul the marriage, Thomas Cromwell rose become Henry's new chief lieutenant. Cromwell is both a fascinating but divisive figure. For a long time, he was cast as the villain in Thomas More's saga, but Hillary Mantel's Wolf Hall really triggered a popular reevaluation of him. Like A Man For All Seasons was too generous to More, I would say Wolf Hall was too generous to Cromwell. Nonetheless, I suspect Cromwell was and remained so divisive because he was so effective. He got things done on a scale that the other three Thomases of the English Reformation never quite managed. Cromwell's origins are a bit obscure. It seems he was either of non-noble birth or very low gentry birth and his father Walter Cromwell was a local prosperous tradesman in a jack of all trades with a reputation for litigiousness. For reasons that are unclear, Cromwell fled his birthplace and spent some time in continental Europe, possibly as a mercenary soldier. He eventually made his way to Italy and started working for the merchant families there, gaining knowledge of trade in the law, and then traveled to the Low Countries. When he returned to England, he became Cardinal Wolsey's right hand man. After Wolsey's fall, Cromwell went into Parliament and defended his master whenever possible. This loyalty combined with his significant talent for law and administration caught the eye of Henry and he swiftly became Henry's right-hand man. Amusingly, Cromwell never became Lord Chancellor like More or Wolsey, but instead accumulated many lesser offices that essentially allowed him to carry out Henry's directives as he saw a fit. Unlike More and Wolsey, Cromwell had strong Protestant leanings and he encouraged the king to break away from the Catholic Church and take control of the English Church as its supreme head. Henry did so. His marriage to Catherine of Aragon was nulled. The rest of Europe never accepted this until Catherine died of illness and it became a moot point. In 1533, he married Anne Boleyn. Like Cromwell, Anne had a strong Protestant bent and began encouraging reformers to take various offices and began pushing Henley to make more reforms than he was really comfortable doing. For example, Cromwell was one of the chief drivers behind the English Bible of 1539. This, combined with Anne's inability to give Henry a son, contributed to Anne's downfall. Unlike Catherine, she was willing to argue with Henry to his face and was unwilling to look the other way when he wanted a mistress, and this eventually got on Henry's nerves. Events are a bit murky, but it seems that Henry ordered Cromwell to find a way he could set aside Anne and Cromwell complied. Various men, including her own brother, were coerced and confessing to adultery with Anne on charges that were most likely fabricated and Anne's "lovers" and Anne herself were executed for treason in 1536. Cromwell had successfully used a technique that many modern secret police organizations and dictatorships employ- if you want to get rid of someone for whatever reason, accuse them of a serious crime, coerce them to a confession, and then have them executed. Joseph Stalin did basically the same thing when he purged the Old Bolsheviks after Lenin's death. Henry married Jane Seymour shortly after Anne's execution, and she finally gave Henry his long-waited son, though she died soon afterwards of postpartum complications. Cromwell also oversaw the dissolution of the English monasteries in the 1530s. Monasticism had become quite unpopular even before the Reformation, especially among humanist writers. The concentration of property in the hands of monasteries made for a ripe target. Using Parliament and with Henry's approval, the monasteries of England were dissolved, the monks and nuns pensioned off, and the various rich properties held by the monasteries were given to the king and his friends. Cromwell himself profited handsomely. This was essentially legalized theft, but there was nothing the monasteries could do about it. Cromwell pushed for more religious reforms, but that combined with the dissolution of the monasteries caused "The Pilgrimage of Grace" in 1537, a rebellion that Henry was able to put down through a combination of lies, stalling, outright bribery, and brutal repression under the Duke of Norfolk (more about him later). Cromwell was at the zenith of his power and influence, but his reformist bent and made him a lot of enemies. For that matter, Henry was increasingly uncomfortable with further religious changes. He wanted to be head of his own church, but essentially his own Catholic Church, not his own Reformed or Lutheran one. Cromwell's alignment with the reform cause gave his more traditionalist enemies a tool to use against him. Cromwell's foes had their chance in 1540 when Henry married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Cromwell had heavily pushed for the match, hoping to make an alliance with the Protestant princes of Germany against the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor. For whatever reason, Henry took an immediate dislike to Anne and never consummated the marriage, which was swiftly annulled and Anne pensioned off. Henry blamed Cromwell for the failed marriage and Cromwell's enemies, particularly Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Gardiner of Winchester, were able to convince Henry to move against him. Cromwell was arrested, stripped of all the titles and property he had amassed, and executed in July of 1540. The sort of legal railroading process he had born against Anne Boleyn's alleged lovers and numerous other enemies of Henry's was used against him. This was one of the very few executions Henry ever regretted. Within a year, the French ambassador reported that Henry was raging that his counselors had misled him into putting to death the most faithful servant he had ever had. Once again, nothing was ever Henry's fault in his own mind. The fact that Henry allowed Cromwell's son Gregory to become a baron and inherit some of his father's land shows that he likely changed his mind about the execution. For once in his life, Henry was dead on accurate when he called Cromwell his "most faithful servant". He never again found a lieutenant with Cromwell's loyalty and skill. The remaining seven years of Henry's reign blundered from setback to setback and all the money Henry obtained from the dissolution of the monasteries was squandered in indecisive wars with France and Scotland. I think it's fair to say that the English Reformation would not have taken the course it did, if not for Cromwell. As ruthless and as unscrupulous as he could be, he nonetheless did seem to really believe in the principles of religious reform and push such policies whenever he could do so without drawing Henry's ire. #4: Now the fourth of our four major Thomases, Thomas Cranmer. If Thomas Cromwell did a lot of the political work of the English Reformation, then Thomas Cranmer wrote a lot of its theory. Cranmer was a scholar and something of a gentle-minded man, but not a very skillful politician. He seemed happy to leave the politicking to Cromwell. I think Cranmer would have been a lot happier as a Lutheran pastor in say, 1950s rural Nebraska. He could have married a farmer's daughter, had a bunch of kids, and presided at weddings, funerals, and baptisms where he could talk earnestly about Jesus and Christian virtues, and he probably would have written a few books on obscure theological points. But instead, Cranmer was destined to play a significant part in the English Reformation. He started as a priest and a scholar who got in trouble for marrying, but when his wife died in childbirth, he went back to the priesthood. Later, he became part of the team of scholars and priests working to get Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled. While he was at university and later in the priesthood, he became fascinated by Lutheran ideas and became a proponent of reform. As with Cromwell, Henry's desire to marry Anne Boleyn gave Cranmer his great opportunity. Anne's family were also in favor of reform, and they arranged for Cranmer to become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The new archbishop and the like- minded clerics and scholars laid the legal and theological groundwork for Henry to break with Rome and become head of the English church with Cranmer and the rest of the reform faction wanted to be used to push for additional church reforms. He survived the tumults of Henry's reign by total loyalty to the king – he mourned Anne Boleyn, but didn't oppose her execution (though he was one of the few who mourned for her publicly), did much the same when Cromwell was executed, and personally sent news of Catherine Howard's adultery to the king. Because of that, Cranmer had a great chance to pursue the cause of reform when Henry died and his 12-year-old son Edward VI became King. Edward's uncle Edward Seymour acted as the head of the King's regency council, and Seymour and his allies were in favor of reform. Cranmer was at last able to steer the English church in the direction of serious reform, and he was directly responsible for writing the Book of Common Prayer and several other key documents of the early Anglican church. But Cranmer's of luck ran out in 1553 when Edward VI died. Cranmer was part of the group that tried to put the Protestant Lady Jane Grey on the throne, but Henry's daughter Mary instead took the crown. Mary had never really wavered from her Catholicism despite immense pressure to do so, and she had last had a chance to do something about it. She immediately brought England back to Rome and started prosecuting prominent reform leaders, Cranmer among them. Cranmer was tried for treason and heresy and sentenced to be burned, but that was to be commuted if he recanted his views in public during a sermon, which he did. However, at the last minute, he thunderously denounced his previous recantation, asserted his reformist faith, and vowed that he would thrust the hand that signed the recantation into the flames first. Cranmer was immediately taken to be burned at the stake, and just as he promised, he thrust his hand into the flames, and his last word is that he saw heaven opening and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Cranmer had spent much of his life trying to appease Henry while pushing as much reform as possible, but in his final moments, he had finally found his defiance. When Mary died and Elizabeth took the throne, she returned England to Protestantism. Elizabeth was much more pragmatic than her half siblings and her father ever were, so she chose the most expedient choice of simply rolling the English church back to as it was during Edward VI's time. Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer and religious articles, lightly edited for Elizabeth's sensibilities, became the foundational documents of the Anglican church. So these four Thomases, Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer were central to the events of the English Reformation. However, we have one bonus Thomas yet. Bonus Thomas: Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk. Thomas Howard was a powerful nobleman during the reign of Henry, and the Duke of Norfolk was frequently Henry's lieutenant in waging various wars and putting down rebellions. He was also the uncle of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, Henry's second and fifth queens. He was also involved in nearly every major event of Henry's reign. So with all that, why isn't Norfolk as remembered as well as the other four Thomases of the English Reformation? Sometimes a man would be considered virtuous by the standards of the medieval or early modern age, yet reprehensible in ours. For example, for much of the Middle Ages, crusading was considered an inherently virtuous act for a knight, whereas in the modern age, it would be condemned as war mongering with a religious veneer. However, by both modern standards and Tudor standards, Thomas Howard was a fairly odious character. For all their flaws and the morally questionable things they did, Wolsey, More, Cromwell, and Cranmer were all men of conviction in their own ways. More and Cranmer explicitly died with their faith. Cromwell's devotion to the Protestant cause got him killed since he insisted on the Anne of Cleves match. Even Wolsey, for all that he enriched himself, was a devoted servant of Henry after his downfall never betrayed the king. By contrast, Norfolk was out for Norfolk. This wasn't unusual for Tudor nobleman, but Norfolk took it to a new level of grasping venality. He made sure that his daughter was married to Henry's bastard son, Henry FitzRoy, just in case FitzRoy ended up becoming king. He used both his nieces, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, to gain power and lands for himself, and then immediately turned against him once he became politically expedient. In fact, he presided over the trial where Anne Boleyn was sentenced to death. After the failure of the Anne of Cleve's marriage, Norfolk made sure to bring his young niece Catherine Howard to court to catch Henry's eye, and to use the Anne of Cleve's annulment as a lever to get rid of Thomas Cromwell. Both stratagems worked, and he attempted to leverage being the new Queen's uncle to bring himself to new power and riches, as he had with Anne Boleyn. Once Henry turned on Catherine Howard, Norfolk characteristically and swiftly threw his niece under the bus. However, as Henry aged, he grew increasingly paranoid and vindictive, and he had Norfolk arrested and sentenced to death on suspicion of treason. Before the execution could be carried out, Henry died, and Norfolk spent the six years of Edward VI's reign as a prisoner in the Tower of London. When Edward died and Mary took the throne, she released Norfolk since she was Catholic and Norfolk had always been a religious traditionalist suspicious of reform. He spent the remaining year of his life as one of Mary's chief advisors before finally dying of old age. As I often say, history can be a rich source of inspiration for fantasy writers, and the English Reformation is full of such inspiration. Wolsey, More, Cromwell, and Cranmer can all make excellent inspirations for morally ambiguous characters. For that matter, you can see why the reign of Henry VIII has inspired so many movies, TV shows, and historical novels. The real life events are so dramatic as to scarcely require embellishment. So that's it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show and thank you for listening as I went on one of my little historical digressions. I hope you found the show enjoyable. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy, and we'll see you all next week.
Title: The Bold and the Beautiful GateScripture Reading: Acts 4:5-22Series: Be Bold!Are you willing to slay your reputation for the sake of boldly doing the Lord's will? Drawing inspiration from the life of William Wilberforce, this message explores what it means to speak the truth regardless of personal risk. By examining the account of Peter and John before the temple council, we see that true biblical boldness is modeled through three specific pillars. First, we must take Bold Action that brings glory to God rather than seeking worldly validation or personal prestige. Second, we are called to make a Bold Announcement, ensuring that our actions and our courage are explicitly connected to the name and power of Jesus. Finally, we must operate under Bold Authority, choosing to obey the heavenly King even when facing direct opposition or threats from earthly powers. We must ensure our boldness is animated by the Holy Spirit and aimed at the glory of Jesus, choosing to suffer for doing good rather than being punished for doing wrong.
EXCLUSIVE: For the first time in 611 years, the sermons of Jan Hus are in English. We are extremely grateful to Evan H. for helping us get this amazing episode into English so we can share the sermons and story of one of the church's most important martyrs! Thanks to Jacob for reading this episode! If you appreciate what we do, please check out our PatreonYou can read the sermon from this episode and share it by going to this link: Jan Hus ForgivenessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revived-thoughts6762/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Cloud: Jan Hus
Think cancel culture is new? The Catholic Church invented it in the Middle Ages.Being burned at the stake was the ultimate deplatforming. In the 15th and 16th centuries, figures like Joan of Arc, Giordano Bruno, and Jan Hus faced the stake for the crime of heresy. But was heresy actually just a way to crush dissent?This week, medievalist and historian Eleanor Janega (@GoingMedieval) joins Katelyn and Christine to unpack history's original cancel culture. From the Vatican's "Community Guidelines" to the trial of Galileo, we look at how institutions have always used moral panic to maintain power.Scheduling Note: Cancel Me, Daddy will return in January 2026. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Thank you for tuning in—we appreciate you so much. Stream on our YouTube channel—remember to ring the bell! Listen via Apple or Spotify. Be sure to check out the merch store—Merch Me, Daddy!Links for Apple:Subscribe to the Gone Medieval podcast via History Hit, Apple, or Spotify Follow Eleanor Janega on Bluesky: @goingmedievalBuy Eleanor's book, The Once and Future Sex: Going Medieval on Women's Roles in Society, via The Flytrap Media's Bookshop.org storefront Cancellation List Patreon Supporters:Megg, I Beuregard, Alison, Siobhan Green, Maggi Joseph, Leslie Zavisca, Summer Lark, Amy Veeres, MattSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textThe Church of England Is Now Investing in Arms. Cool. This week, Ben, Jonny and Adam talk pigs, peace prizes, and the slow spiritual death of the Church of England. Adam reflects on finding more joy at a winter fair than in most churches, Ben explains (again!) why liberals can't be trusted, and Jonny questions what ‘Prince of Peace' actually means when the C of E decides weapons are a sound investment strategy. Plus, our first Hussite Saint of the Week!Support the showEverything Bread and Rosaries does will be free for everyone forever, but it does cost money to produce so if you wish to support the show on Patreon, we'd love you forever!Music credits at this link
Pastor Tyler's new book "The Desolation of Israel" is available NOW! https://www.ironworks.media/the-desolation-of-israel Check out IronWorks Media, our Christian resource network! https://www.ironworks.media/ Give to support the ministry of Calvary Chapel Trussville! https://tithe.ly/give?c=411758 More info on Calvary Chapel Trussville!
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mandell Creighton's history of the Papacy continues in Volume II with the condemnation in 1415 of Jan Hus by the Council of Constance and his death at the stake. His execution ignites civil war in Bohemia. Gregory XII abdicates as pope and the Council elects Oddone Colonna, Pope Martin V. The second Antipope John XXIII is eventually forced to resign, but the wily and stubborn Antipope, Benedict XIII, refuses to abdicate and flees to his native Spain, where he dies in 1423. The scene shifts to Basil, where a second Council has been convened to quell heresy in Bohemia and to reform the Church. Pope Eugenius IV, contesting its authority, undermines all its work. The volume closes with the Council of Florence, headed by the Pope, and attended by the Greek emperor and his chief prelates. Eugenius craves the glory of uniting, under the Pope, the Eastern and Western churches, but the Emperor just wants military aid to save Constantinople from the Turks.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Rudolf Scholten und Wolfgang MaderthanerGESCHICHTSSCHREIBUNG ZWITSCHEN MYTHEN UND LEGENDEN – FOLGE 9Zentraleuropa im späten Mittelalter: Kirchenkrise, Pogrome, apokalyptische RevolutionäreAn der Wende vom 14. zum 15. Jahrhundert durchlebt Mitteleuropa turbulente, von Machtkämpfen und kriegerischen Konflikten geprägte Zeiten. Das Habsburgerreich ist nach dem Tod Rudolfs IV. von Nachfolgekämpfen geprägt, die Besitzungen für fünf Jahrzehnte auf eine Albertinische und eine Leopoldinische Linie aufgeteilt. Die römisch-deutschen Könige stellt seit Mitte des 14. Jahrhunderts das Fürstengeschlecht der Luxemburger. Die römisch-katholische Kirche steckt in einer tiefen Krise: 1378 kommt es zur Kirchenspaltung, dem sog. Abendländischen Schisma, eine Zeit lang amtieren sogar drei Päpste, die Klöster verkommen. In Böhmen steht der Theologe und Prediger Jan Hus gegen den moralischen Verfall der Amtskirche auf, fordert tiefgreifende Reformen und findet in kurzer Zeit eine große Anhängerschaft in der Bevölkerung und auch unter böhmischen Adeligen. Auf Drängen des deutsch-römischen Königs Sigismund, Herrscher über Ungarn und Kroatien, findet 1415 das Konzil von Konstanz statt, um die Kirchenspaltung zu überwinden. Dies gelingt zwar, aber die Hinrichtung von Jan Hus als Ketzer – dem Sigismund freies Geleit zugesagt hatte - löst die Hussitenkriege aus. In diesen entladen sich nicht nur religiöse sondern auch nationale (deutsch-tschechische) und soziale Spannungen. 15 Jahre erschüttern die Kämpfe zwischen den Hussiten und den Kreuzzugsheeren König Sigismunds und des Papstes Böhmen und die angrenzenden Länder. An vorderster Front kämpften bei den Hussiten die radikalen Taboriten, die Maderthaner als „Gotteskrieger des Mittelalters“ beschreibt. Militärischer Anführer der anderen Seite war Habsburger-Herzog Albrecht V., verheiratet mit Sigismunds Tochter Elisabeth von Luxemburg. Zur Finanzierung seiner Feldzüge begeht er einen grausamen Tabubruch: Er veranlasst die Enteignung und Vertreibung der jüdischen Bevölkerung Wiens, deren Vermögen er einzieht. Zugeständnisse der Kirche ermöglichen 1434 einen Frieden mit gemäßigteren Fraktionen der Hussiten, die radikalen Taboristen werden auf dem Schlachtfeld besiegt. Sigismund wird auch von den Böhmen als König anerkannt. 1437 stirbt Sigismund, Erbin der Thronansprüche im deutschen Reich, in Ungarn, Böhmen und Kroatien ist seine Tochter Elisabeth. Profiteur ist Albrecht V. von Österreich. Als Ehemann Elisabeths folgt er seinem Schwiegervater als römisch-deutscher König nach, und Ungarn, Böhmen und Kroatien werden Teil des Habsburgischen Herrschaftsgebiets. Wolfgang Maderthaner, Historiker, Präsident des Vereins der Geschichte der ArbeiterInnenbewegungRudolf Scholten, Präsident des Bruno Kreisky ForumsAufgezeichnet im Bruno Kreisky Forum im September 2025Technische Produktion: Max Hofko
In this episode, we explore the courageous men who paved the way for Martin Luther—followers of Jesus who, long before the Reformation, risked everything to return the church to the authority of Scripture.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Big Idea:Long before Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, God was already stirring reform in the hearts of ordinary believers. From Peter Waldo to John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and William Tyndale, the spark of reformation began not in cathedrals but in the conviction that the Bible—not the pope—was the true authority of the church.Episode OverviewFormation → Conformation → Deformation → ReformationThe first-century church was formed as a grassroots gospel movement led by the apostles (Acts 2).The following centuries saw conformation through creeds and councils that clarified core doctrine.After the fall of Rome, the church experienced deformation—institutional corruption, superstition, indulgences, and a Bible out of reach for the common person.Yet even in the “Dark Ages,” God raised reformers who called His people back to the Word.Key ReformersPeter Waldo (1170 AD)A wealthy merchant who gave up his riches after reading Matthew 19:21.Funded the first vernacular translation of Scripture into French.His followers—the Waldensians—preached repentance, memorized Scripture, and survived centuries of persecution.John Wycliffe (1320s–1384)Oxford scholar who rediscovered the gospel of grace through Scripture.Declared that “Scripture alone, not popes or councils, is the final authority.”Produced the first complete English Bible (translated from the Latin Vulgate).His followers, the Lollards, secretly spread handwritten English Bibles and published the Twelve Conclusions (1395)—early “theses” against corruption, indulgences, and unbiblical traditions.Jan Hus (1369–1415)Czech priest inspired by Wycliffe's writings.Preached the gospel in Czech so people could understand the Bible.Wrote On the Church, teaching that Christ alone—not the pope—is head of the church.Burned at the stake for refusing to recant, proclaiming, “You may roast this goose, but in a hundred years a swan will arise whose song you will not silence.”A century later, Martin Luther would see himself as that “swan.”His followers, the Hussites, became the Moravians, who later influenced John Wesley and the Methodist Revival.William Tyndale (1494–1536)Scholar fluent in seven languages, determined to make Scripture accessible to every English speaker.Translated the Bible...
In this episode, we explore the courageous men who paved the way for Martin Luther—followers of Jesus who, long before the Reformation, risked everything to return the church to the authority of Scripture.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Big Idea:Long before Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, God was already stirring reform in the hearts of ordinary believers. From Peter Waldo to John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and William Tyndale, the spark of reformation began not in cathedrals but in the conviction that the Bible—not the pope—was the true authority of the church.Episode OverviewFormation → Conformation → Deformation → ReformationThe first-century church was formed as a grassroots gospel movement led by the apostles (Acts 2).The following centuries saw conformation through creeds and councils that clarified core doctrine.After the fall of Rome, the church experienced deformation—institutional corruption, superstition, indulgences, and a Bible out of reach for the common person.Yet even in the “Dark Ages,” God raised reformers who called His people back to the Word.Key ReformersPeter Waldo (1170 AD)A wealthy merchant who gave up his riches after reading Matthew 19:21.Funded the first vernacular translation of Scripture into French.His followers—the Waldensians—preached repentance, memorized Scripture, and survived centuries of persecution.John Wycliffe (1320s–1384)Oxford scholar who rediscovered the gospel of grace through Scripture.Declared that “Scripture alone, not popes or councils, is the final authority.”Produced the first complete English Bible (translated from the Latin Vulgate).His followers, the Lollards, secretly spread handwritten English Bibles and published the Twelve Conclusions (1395)—early “theses” against corruption, indulgences, and unbiblical traditions.Jan Hus (1369–1415)Czech priest inspired by Wycliffe's writings.Preached the gospel in Czech so people could understand the Bible.Wrote On the Church, teaching that Christ alone—not the pope—is head of the church.Burned at the stake for refusing to recant, proclaiming, “You may roast this goose, but in a hundred years a swan will arise whose song you will not silence.”A century later, Martin Luther would see himself as that “swan.”His followers, the Hussites, became the Moravians, who later influenced John Wesley and the Methodist Revival.William Tyndale (1494–1536)Scholar fluent in seven languages, determined to make Scripture accessible to every English speaker.Translated the Bible...
In this sermon by Carolyn Wilson on Reformation Sunday, the focus is on the enduring impact of the Protestant Reformation and its central theological pillars, known as the "five solas." Wilson begins with a historical overview, describing how the early Christian church endured persecution and how, over centuries, its rise to power in Europe led to widespread corruption and spiritual neglect. Courageous reformers like John Wycliffe and Jan Hus challenged these abuses, laying the groundwork for Martin Luther and the Reformation movement. Carolyn highlights each of the five solas: grace alone counters self-sufficiency; faith alone frees believers from the pressure to earn salvation; Christ alone affirms Jesus as the exclusive mediator; Scripture alone stands as the infallible authority; and to God alone be the glory places all honor with God rather than personal achievement. She connects these principles to challenges in contemporary culture, urging believers to maintain vigilance, humility, and faithfulness. The sermon concludes with a call for continual reformation within the church, emphasizing that the Reformation is not just history but an ongoing movement. Carolyn encourages believers to anchor themselves in biblical truth and live out these principles so that the light of Christ can shine brightly in today's world.
Reflexionamos sobre el verdadero significado de ser cristianos y no "protestantes" , la importancia de la Reforma , y cómo la Biblia es el gran tratado de ética que debe guiar nuestra vida y carácter.El orador nos recuerda la necesidad de no olvidar de dónde nos ha sacado el Señor, citando Deuteronomio 8:1-11. También enfatiza la obra de reformadores como John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, Martín Lutero, y Juan Calvino , quienes prepararon el camino para que hoy tengamos libre acceso al Evangelio.--Iglesia Bautista Filadelfia | Un hogar para ti y tu familiawww.ibfmasaya.org
Signal Festival to light up Prague for the 13th time; New Brno exhibition tells the story of how Oxford philosophers supported Czech dissidents; The hope of Czech AI Matyáš Boháček talks about hopes and concerns for the future of AI
Wyatt discusses two important figures that helped shape the later Protestant ReformationResources- John Wycliffe by Charles River Editors (audiobook)- Jan Hus: The Life and Legacy of the Christian Theologian Executed for Heresy Before the Reformation by Charles River Editors (audiobook)
In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. Ian Christopher Levy to discuss freedom of conscience in medieval Catholic theology. We pay special attention to how this medieval theology showed up in the trial of Jan Hus, the Great Western Schism, and the condemnation of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms. Dr. Ian Christopher Levy (Ph. D. Marquette University) is Professor of Historical theology at Providence College. He is a leading expert in medieval biblical exegesis, sacraments, and ecclesiology. His latest book, With a Pure Conscience: Christian Liberty before the Reformation, chronicles the development of the medieval conception freedom of conscience with special attention given to how freedom of conscience relates to church authority. With a Pure Conscience: https://amzn.to/3IBDTiNHoly Scripture and the Quest for Authority at the End of the Middle Ages: https://amzn.to/4gLng0UWant to support the channel? Here's how!Give monthly: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityBook a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austinRead my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/00:00 - Teaser00:59 - The Diet of Worms04:27 - Freedom of Conscience07:08 - Conscience and Authority11:25 - Conscience and Papal Authority15:51 - The Magisterium of the University19:02 - Academic Freedom21:01 - Luther and the University30:57 - Differences in Medieval Views on Conscience37:55 - Scripture and Conscience42:30 - Perspicuity47:03 - Jan Hus51:53 - Conscience Then and NowSupport the show
Jan Hus war einer der wichtigen Frühreformatoren der Kirche in den Jahrhunderten vor Martin Luther. Als Prediger in der Bethlehemskapelle in Prag sprach er sich unter anderem für eine Armut der Kirche und gegen Ablasshandel aus. Er wurde 1414 unter Zusicherung von sicherem Geleit zum Konzil in Konstanz eingeladen, dort aber eingekerkert, gefoltert und schließlich auf einem Scheiterhaufen verbrannt. Daraufhin brachen die Hussitischen Kriege in Böhmen aus, die über lange Zeit die Kreuzzugheere, die gegen sie gesandt wurden, militärisch in Schach halten konnten. Als sich die Tschechoslowakei nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg als Staat konstituierte, suchte die Regierung nach eigenen nationalen Feiertagen, Gedenktagen etc. und natürlich spielte der „Nationalheld“ Jan Hus eine Rolle. Sein Wahlspruch „Über alles siegt die Wahrheit“ wurde in der Form „Die Wahrheit siegt“ Teil der Standarte des Präsidenten. Wie der Artikel aus dem Hamburgischen Correspondenten vom 19. Juli 1925 belegt, geriet man dabei mit dem Vatikan aneinander, der Hus immer noch als Ketzer ansah. So schildert uns Frank Riede die diplomatischen Verwicklungen zwischen dem päpstlichen Nuntius in Prag und der tschechoslowakischen Regierung. Übrigens ist Jan Hus seitens des Vatikans bis heute nicht offiziell rehabilitiert.
Communion Meditation: “Our BestLife”Mark 8:34-38Home Moravian Church, July 6, 2025(Jan Hus Communion)Rev. Ginny Hege Tobiassen
Tak, a je to tu zas. Šestý červenec a s ním i ten trochu zvláštní státní svátek. Jan Hus, jako projekční plátno našich národních ambicí i mindráků, tužeb i zklamání.
I jeden člověk dokáže velké věci. Třeba vzburcovat celý národ. Nebo naopak proti sobě poštvat zbytek světa. Jan Hus dokázal obojí. Jeho upálení na kostnickém koncilu 6. července 1415 mělo být jen vedlejší epizodou v mnohem větším příběhu. Způsob smrti nebyl zvolený náhodou. Jako kacíře ho měl oheň před poslední cestou symbolicky očistit. Byl tu ale i druhý, ryze praktický důvod. Trest upálením církev volila i proto, aby Husovým stoupencům nezbylo nic, co by mohli uctívat.
Tak, a je to tu zas. Šestý červenec a s ním i ten trochu zvláštní státní svátek. Jan Hus, jako projekční plátno našich národních ambicí i mindráků, tužeb i zklamání. Všechny díly podcastu Názory a argumenty můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.
In this weekend edition Czechia in 30 minutes, we visit the town of Konstanz, where Jan Hus was tried and executed in 1415. A small museum now stands in the house where he may—or may not—have stayed. Whether fact or legend, the site continues to preserve the story of a man who chose death over denying his conscience.
In early 15th century, the execution of Jan Hus — a fiery preacher who dared to challenge the might of the Catholic Church in Bohemia — ignited a rebellion that shook medieval Europe to its core. The Hussite Wars were not just a fight for religious reform; they were an explosion of new ideas, military innovation and national identity that would echo across centuries.Dr. Eleanor Janega recounts this tale of heresy, revolution and a relentless quest for justice. From the thunderous defenestration of Prague's city council to the ingenious war wagons of Jan Žižka, discover how a movement of peasants, preachers and visionaries defied crusades, toppled kings, and carved out the world's first Protestant state.MOREAnne of Bohemiahttps://open.spotify.com/episode/19zx9ph2V4RtGOxnI50POxThe Czech Braveheart: Jan Žižka - Gone Medievalhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/59wq9imDllVuDj97YoPCxlGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK
Patrick engages with fascinating questions about the proper handling of ashes according to Catholic teachings, understanding the appropriate times for receiving communion and going to confession, and exploring historical details about Jan Hus. Soledad - If ashes are split, does the body rest. Do they rest in peace? Are they able to go over into eternity? (00:49) George - 1st Saturday Confessions. I don’t think we should be as flexible as you’re saying. (06:52) Valerie – What is the healing of memories? What is the process involved and is this valid? (08:52) Hank - At your first Confession, after being Baptized as new Catholic, what do you confess? Do I confess every sin I have ever committed? (12:15) Maria - If you attend Mass that is not Holy Day of obligation can you just go in and receive Holy Communion without attending Mass? (17:05) Andre - What did Jan Hus do that got him executed? (20:00) Lauren – Is it wrong to receive Communion in a Catholic Church if you are not member? (26:29) Diane (email) - Many thanks for your explanation today of mortal sins and how to respond to "how many times". This is a question I have looked for guidance in many spiritual books but the explanations never seemed to apply. You have opened my eyes that by avoiding to confess a mortal sin (out of shame) and then receiving communion I compounded my mortal sins. I'm going to confession today! (35:14) Sean – Our daughter is dating a Hindu. A priest told her boyfriend he didn’t have to become Catholic to get married. The priest told him to be the best Hindu he can be. They did get married in the Church. (36:32) Tina - Why can't anyone go to Confession, even if they are not Catholic? (46:26)
on todays show we talk about The discussion delves into the historical and theological impact of John Wycliffe, a 14th-century Oxford professor who challenged the Catholic Church's authority and practices. Wycliffe's reforms included advocating for laypeople to read the Bible in their own language, criticizing the church's wealth and corruption, and questioning doctrines like Transubstantiation. His influence extended to Jan Hus and later reformers like Luther and Calvin. The conversation also touches on the broader context of the Middle Ages, the role of scholasticism, and the political dynamics between the church and state. The speakers emphasize the importance of individual faith and the need for a balanced approach to religious authority and practice. In the conversation, Speaker 1 expresses gratitude and plans to exchange emails for further discussion. Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and opposing views of one's own theological beliefs, suggesting that this deeper understanding can lead to a stronger faith. Speaker 1 humorously mentions that marrying a Catholic could shake one's certainty. The discussion then shifts to a light-hearted comment about the significance of batteries in the context of AI development, with Speaker 1 joking that whoever masters batteries will have the best AI, implying that AI could replace the need for God. Glenn Cox clarifies the joke. Do Not Miss IT!
David Aust, member at Del Ray Baptist ChurchChurch History: Lesson 12.Taught March 23, 2025.
This week we bring the series about the reformation before the reformation to an end. It is time to take stock. What changes did 20 years of opposition to the established church and 15 years of war bring to Bohemia?How did Jan Hus, Jan Želivský, Wenceslas Koranda and Petr Chelčický influence Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Müntzer and von Hutten? How did Zizka's reform impact the Swiss mercenaries and the German Landsknechte?The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward ExpansionThe Hanseatic LeagueThe Teutonic KnightsThe Holy Roman Empire 1250-1356
Vydat, či nevydat? Otázka, která tento týden potrápila vládní poslance. Do poslední chvíle nebylo jasné, jestli Sněmovna zbaví imunity šéfa SPD Tomia Okamuru. Policie ho podezírá z přečinu podněcování k nenávisti vůči skupině osob kvůli plakátům z krajských voleb.„Tomio Okamura může slavit. Ať už se případ vyvine jakkoli, může to využít ve svůj prospěch. Mučedník Okamura, novodobý Jan Hus, bojovník za svobodu slova,“ říká Václav Dolejší.Ač pro Okamurovo vydání hlasovala nakonec drtivá většina přítomných vládních poslanců, rozhodování nebylo snadné. Vládní politici ho v kuloárech sněmovny řešili do poslední chvíle. Na vydání se neshodl ani mandátový a imunitní výbor, různé hlasy zaznívaly především z ODS.„Vládní poslanci si museli vybrat - buď se vystaví hněvu voličů, že si nedošlápli na Okamuru, nebo šéfovi SPD pomůžou v kampani. Hlavně premiér nabádal kolegy, že neodsoudit rasistický plakát by se voličům špatně vysvětlovalo,“ říká Lucie Stuchlíková.Jaký byl Tomio Okamura jako malé miminko? Proč má hnutí, v němž nejsou žádní rasisti, pořád nějaké opletačky kvůli rasismu? A bude slavnostní zahájení kampaně SPD v Kostnici? ----Vlevo dole řeší politické kauzy, boje o vliv i šeptandu z kuloárů Sněmovny. Vychází každou středu v poledne.Podcast pro vás připravují Lucie Stuchlíková (@StuchlikovLucie) a Václav Dolejší (@VacDol), reportéři Seznam Zpráv.Další podcasty, ale taky články, komentáře a videa najdete na zpravodajském serveru Seznam Zprávy. Poslouchejte nás na webu Seznam Zpráv, na Podcasty.cz nebo ve své oblíbené podcastové aplikaci.Své názory, návrhy, otázky, stížnosti nebo pochvaly nám můžete posílat na adresu audio@sz.cz.Sledujte @SeznamZpravy na sociálních sítích: Twitter // Facebook // Instagram.Seznam Zprávy jsou zdrojem původních informací, nezávislé investigace, originální publicistiky.
“It is we, the followers of master Jan Hus, who are obeying the law of God, we who are the true followers of Christ. Thus therefore, who oppose us, oppress us, kill us, are themselves heretics, trying to thwart the will of God. Out of this deep, passionate conviction was born the determination not to yield, not to surrender, but to challenge if need be, all the forces of the religious and political order which had dominated medieval europe for nearly a thousand years, to fight it out against odds the like of which have seldom been seen in history”So it is written in the “Very Pretty Chronicle of the life of John Zizka” which tells the not so very pretty story of the war against the Hussites that is now heating up. Sigismund musters his crusading army in Silesia whilst the radical Hussites take to the hills and then take a hill.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward ExpansionThe Hanseatic LeagueThe Teutonic KnightsThe Holy Roman Empire 1250-1356
Carl and Todd welcome Yannick Imbert and Iain Wright to discuss their new book, Reclaiming the Dark Ages: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500. An often overlooked period, Yannick and Iain challenge the notion of the "Dark Ages" by highlighting key Christian figures and their contributions to church history including Leo the Great, Anselm of Canterbury, and Jan Hus. We wanted to take a selection of church leaders across that thousand years...to show that God was not sitting on his hands for a thousand years. – Iain Wright Discover how God's work continued throughout this millennium and why these historical insights are relevant today. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to church history, this episode offers a captivating exploration of faith across centuries. Even we who are decidedly Reformed can actually acknowledge that there were Christians prior to the 16th century. – Carl Trueman Thanks to the generosity of Christian Focus Publications, we are pleased to offer three copies of Yannick and Iain's book to our listeners. Enter here for the opportunity to win one. Show Notes: Reclaiming the Dark Ages: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500
The Bohemians had already protested against the treatment of Jan Hus when he was arrested and anger was brewing throughout his trial. Hus hadn't come to Constance on his own. Several noblemen, including the brave knight John of Chlum had come along to support him. One these man, Petr Mladenovics returned to Prague shortly after the trial and recounted the proceedings in every little detail, complete with copies of letters and other documents. And from that the Bohemians concluded that there had been foul play. Lawrence of Brezowa summarized the view in Prague as follows: quote “Then on Saturday,[..], 6 July, Master Jan Hus, the scholarly bachelor of Holy Scripture, a man of shining virtue in life and morality and a faithful preacher of the gospel was sentenced to death and unjustly vilified by the Council of Constance. This was based upon the false testimony of the witnesses and the relentless instigations of master Štěpán z Pálče, doctor of Holy Scriptures and Michael de Causis, parish priest of St. Voijtech,[..] representing the Czech clergy and the influence of king Sigismund. This was done despite the fact that he was not given a proper hearing in which to prove his innocence” Bohemian Protest on Display | Rare Books & ManuscriptsThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor Mundi
This episode emphasizes the critical importance of engaging with the Word of God as a foundational aspect of the Christian life. Pastor Dan explores Deuteronomy 6, highlighting the command to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might while integrating Scripture into daily life. He encourages listeners to not merely read the Bible but to meditate on it, allowing its teachings to shape their worldview and decisions. By reflecting on historical figures like Martin Luther and Jan Hus, he illustrates the transformative power of the Scriptures and the sacrifices made for the accessibility of God's Word. As the new year begins, this sermon serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize Bible reading and deepen one's relationship with God through His Word.Andrew Rappaport, the host of the Rappaport podcast, kicks off the New Year by sharing a sermon he delivered at his home church, Oxford Valley Chapel. The sermon centers on the importance of studying the Word of God, especially as listeners embark on a new year filled with opportunities for spiritual growth. Rappaport emphasizes the need for Christians to engage with Scripture meaningfully, suggesting that the Bible is not just a book to be read but a vital resource for understanding one's faith and living it out daily. He draws from the teachings found in Deuteronomy 6, which outlines the commandments given to Israel, stressing that these instructions are not merely historical but hold relevance for believers today. Rappaport delves into the significance of the Shema, a foundational declaration in Jewish faith that underscores the oneness of God and the call to love Him with all one's heart, soul, and might. He reflects on the tendency of modern believers to take the Bible for granted, contrasting this with the historical sacrifices made by individuals who valued Scripture so highly they were willing to die for it. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder that true engagement with the Bible requires more than cursory readings; it demands a heart committed to understanding and applying God's Word in every aspect of life. Rappaport encourages listeners to not just read the Bible, but to meditate on it, allowing its truths to permeate their lives and guide their actions as they navigate the challenges and joys of the new year.Takeaways: Reading the Bible daily is essential for spiritual growth and deeper understanding of God. We must view life through the lens of Scripture to navigate challenges effectively. Moses emphasized the importance of teaching God's commandments to future generations. Engagement with the Bible should be about meditative reflection, not just casual reading. The historical significance of the Bible shows its transformative power in believers' lives. Our love for God grows as we understand His Word and what He has done for us. Links referenced in this episode:oxfordvalleychapel.orgstrivingforeternity.orgThis podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast CommunitySupport Striving for EternityLeave us a reviewGive us your feedback, email us
Today the History of the Germans is honoured to host David Crowther, doyen of the guild of podcasters and host of the most excellent History of England Podcast. Wycliffe's writings were to prove controversial and proved an interesting early echo of the Reformation. They heavily influenced the view of Jan Hus and the movement in Bohemia. And his ability to develop and present those views owed a lot to Oxford University, and its desire to protect intellectual debate and investigation. Enjoy
“They will roast a goose now, but after one hundred years they will hear a swan sing, and him they will have to endure.” These were allegedly the last words of a certain Jan Hus whose surname meant goose and who was burned at the stake on July 6, 1415. Almost exactly one hundred years later a spiritually tormented monk, frightened by a vengeful God who sought to damn him, was assigned to teach the book of Romans at the new university of Wittenberg. And 2 years later this monk by the name of Martin Luther did (or probably did not) nail his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church of that same town. As far as prophecies go, this must be one of the most accurate, assuming it was indeed true. But it wasn't just the foretelling of the next reformer that makes the trial of Jan Hus such a fascinating account. So much is foreshadowed in this tale, it is almost uncanny. The railing against indulgences, the wealth of the clergy, the pope, a promise of safe conduct, a trial, villains and archvillains, accusations upon accusations, defiance in the face of certain death and then the big difference to the diet of Worms, actual death. Have a listen, it is fun. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HistoryofthegermansTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward ExpansionThe Hanseatic LeagueThe Teutonic KnightsThe Holy Roman Empire 1250-1356
In this episode, Dr. Alan Strange examines more forerunners of the Reformation, focusing on key figures like John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and Erasmus. The discussion with host Jared Luttjeboer explores these reformers' revolutionary ideas challenging the medieval Catholic Church, including critiques of church authority, biblical interpretation, and clerical corruption. Dr. Strange also highlights Wycliffe's groundbreaking assertion of Scripture as the sole criterion of doctrine, Hus's continuation of Wycliffe's reformist teachings, and Erasmus's critical yet nuanced approach to church reform.
In November 1414 30,000 academics and aristocrats, bishops, blacksmiths and bakers, cardinals, counts and chefs, doctors, dancers and diplomats, princes, prelates and public girls descended on a town in Southern Germany built to house 6 to 8,000 people. They planned to stay a few weeks, 2-3 months max. But 3 and a half years later most of them were still there. What did they get up to? The great tentpole events, the trial of John XXIII, the burning of Jan Hus and the election of Martin V is what the council of Constance is remembered for, but what about all that time in between?This world event was so much more than a papal election and the trial of a heretic. For 3 years Constance became a never-ending G20 summit, the greatest academic conference of the Middle Ages, a permanent imperial diet and the centre of the catholic church. Everybody who was anybody was there either in the flesh or had at least sent a delegation. Issues and concerns were brought before the council that still plague people today. Is it ever right to kill a tyrant, and if so, when can it be justified? What rights should be guaranteed for indigenous groups, in this case Pagans, and how should their dignity be protected? Other attendees sought justice for crimes committed against them or their families in a world where political murder had become commonplace. Others still demanded their reward for years of service, making the house of Hohenzollern the margraves of Brandenburg.Living cheek by jowl in tiny Constance the leading minds from across Europe, from the ancient universities of Paris, Oxford and Bologna as well as from the newly founded seats of learning in Krakow, Prague, Heidelberg and Vienna shared their ideas, opinions, books and discoveries, paving the way for the intellectual shift we call the Renaissance.Enough, me thinks to provide 30 minutes of great historical entertainment….Chapters:00:13 - The Council of Constance: A Gathering Like No Other03:31 - The Council of Constance: A Gathering of Minds08:16 - The Gathering of Intellectuals at Constance12:57 - The Role of Book Hunters in the Renaissance24:23 - Political Violence in the 14th and 15th Century29:56 - The Debate on Tyrannicide at the Council of Constance35:21 - The Council of Constance and Its ImpactThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HistoryofthegermansTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only...
“Master Jan Hus, preacher of the Holy Scriptures from the chapel of Bethlehem, was also present at this council, who in his preaching continuously criticized and exposed the hypocrisy, pride, miserliness, fornication, simony, and other sins of the clergy, in order to bring the priesthood back to the apostolic life. He was immensely hated by these pestiferous clerics.”This is how Laurence of Brezova introduced the great reformer and Czech national hero Jan Hus in his 15th century chronicle of the Hussite uprising. Why should we care about the trials and tribulations of another holy man railing against corrupt prelates and the subsequent “quarrel in a faraway country, between people of whom we know nothing”. Well, that quote itself should be reason enough. It is from Neville Chamberlain speech of September 27, 1938 weighing the importance of protecting Czechoslovakia against an expansionist Nazi Germany. But Jan Hus is interesting beyond his status as a towering figure in Czech history. When he came to Prague in 1390 he was just another ambitious young man from a modest background who wanted to rise up in the world on the back of intelligence and hard work. But by the time he leaves for his fate at the Council of Constance in 1414 he has been excommunicated, exiled and unwillingly or willingly be come he face of a brewing revolt against king and clergy. This is a story about collapsing certainties and emerging truths, about individual beliefs and institutional order. About what the community of the faithful is supposed to be and who is in and who is out. And its tentacles reach deep into the next centuries…The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HistoryofthegermansTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward Expansion
On 31st of October 1517 a hitherto unknown professor at the smallish university of Wittenberg published 95 theses. And by doing so, he unleashed a sequence of events that would fundamentally change the face of Europe and still defines communities and nations.The interesting question about the 95 theses is not why Luther rote them, but why they had any impact at all. Martin Luther stands at the end of a mile long queue of learned and sometimes less learned men who railed against the decadence of the church, called for a return to the actual text of the bible and demanded that the clergy lives like the apostles. But somehow the message on that fateful day in 1517 gained traction across the Christian world in a way no previous attempt had.Why? That is a question I believe will be the guiding line through the coming seasons. Something about the social, political, cultural, religious and economic landscape of early modern Germany must have provided the cinder on which protestant ideas could catch fire. You will now ask, why is Dirk talking about the Reformation. The last season ended on the 14th century, a good 150 years before “the day that changed western Christianity”. Aren't we supposed to go through this chronologically. Oh yes we are. But as we are moving forward at our accustomed pace we will hit the Hussite revolt that started in 1415. This religious uprising has so many common threads with Luther's reformation, it may be seen as a dress rehearsal for the actual Reformation. Luther himself declared in 1519 “Ich bin ein Hussite” I am a Hussite. Spoiler alert, the Hussite revolt did not lead to the fraction of the catholic church, but that makes it even more interesting. What were the circumstances that led the people of Bohemia and many other parts of the empire to take up arms to defend their convictions, how come they were successful and by what means could a reconciliation be achieved? Knowing that will help us understand why a 150 years later such a settlement failed to materialize, dividing Europe into Protestants and Catholics and spurning some of the bloodiest civil wars in history. To explore the causes and impact of this reformation before the reformation we will take a look at the decline of the house of Luxemburg, the emergence of the Ottoman empire, the creation of Burgundy as a political entity separate from France, the defeat of the Teutonic Knights and the great western schism with its resolution at the Council of Constance where amongst other things Jan Hus was convicted and burned at the stake. We will dive into Jan Hus' and his predecessor's thoughts and convictions as well as the military innovations of Jan Zizka and probably a lot more things I have not yet thought about.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: