Review Note

Czech theologian and considered the first church reformer. Revered by Martin Luther and the magisterial reformers, Jan Hus was a Czech priest who committed his life and ministry to the teachings of Scripture and the reform of the church. Hus’s theological reform focused on biblical doctrines authority over the dogma of the Catholic Church. He was born in poverty in 1372 in Husinec, Bohemia. Hus became a priest in 1400, a student, and then a professor at the University of Prague, eventually becoming rector in 1409. He was influenced by the late medieval philosophy of nominalism and the scriptural reform theology of John Wycliffe. From 1402, Hus oversaw the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague and arose as the famous leader of the reform movement in Bohemia. During his active years, Hus emphasized the authority of Scripture, condemned the sale of indulgences and crusades. Later burned at the stake.