Truth Unites John Wycliffe's Bible: Correcting a False Narrative
Apr 16, 2025
Gavin Ortlund delves into John Wycliffe's groundbreaking translation of the Bible into English, highlighting the fierce opposition faced during medieval times. The discussion uncovers the Lollards' mission for biblical accessibility and their challenges against church authority, particularly regarding transubstantiation. As the Lollard movement evolved, it took on a radical edge amidst social upheaval. The podcast also explores Lollardy's lasting impact on later Protestant movements and the historical limitations that hindered its growth.
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Severe Opposition to English Bibles
- Translating the Bible into vernacular languages like English was met with severe opposition in medieval Europe, punishable by death.
- The Constitutions of Oxford and the law De Heretico Cambareto criminalized translating and owning English Bibles, targeting Wycliffe and the Lollards.
Danger of Owning English Bibles
- Owning an English Bible was dangerous and considered evidence of heresy by church authorities in the 15th and 16th centuries.
- The Roman Catholic hierarchy's opposition was not just about bad translations but about suppressing vernacular scripture for over 200 years.
Tyndale's Translation Persecuted
- William Tyndale's English New Testament was banned and publicly burned by Catholic authorities, yet it was a linguistically sound translation.
- Later, the King James translation retained about 85% of Tyndale's work despite initial persecution.
