Our Church Speaks Episode 44 - William Tyndale, Priest, Reformer, and Translator of the Bible, Martyr (Part 1)
9 snips
Oct 6, 2025 Explore the fascinating life of William Tyndale, a courageous reformer who defied the oppressive powers of his day. Discover the historical context that ignited the Reformation and Tyndale's vision for making scripture accessible to all, including the humble plowboy. Unpack the risks he faced, including fleeing to Germany to avoid persecution. Learn how the printing press transformed scripture access and the dangers authority figures feared from such widespread ideas. Tyndale's legacy as a translator and martyr continues to resonate today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Reformation Was A Long Build-Up
- The Reformation didn't begin in 1517; centuries of change set the stage beforehand.
- Understanding figures like Wycliffe shows reform was a long, cumulative process.
Wycliffe Planted Seeds For English Reform
- John Wycliffe pushed English translation and wider literacy two centuries before Tyndale.
- His movement (the Lollards) prepared England's soil for later reformers.
Wycliffe's Posthumous Condemnation
- After Wycliffe's death the church condemned his writings and later exhumed and burned his body.
- His ashes were dumped into the river Swift as a posthumous punishment.
