David Singapogu
Faces of History
Jan 8, 2020
An
Impact that Continues Six-Hundred Years Later
My
early life and education, convictions and challenges to the Roman Catholic
Church, and my lasting impact that continues after my death are all reasons why
I am a significant character in history.
My
early life and education were important and influential in making me a man of
God. [1]I was born into a poor, Roman Catholic background. Being the son of
Roger and Catherine, I was born to be a sheep farmer. However, my father did
not trust my physical abilities and sent me to Oxford University. In 1345 at
the age of 15, I journeyed to Oxford to diligently study. At the prestigious
university, I did very well in my studies and came to be known as an important
scholar. [3]Devoutly and deeply devoted, Thomas Bradwardine, who
was my math professor, showed me the Gospel through math. [1] Black Death
suddenly struck England as did tragedy alongside it. At Oxford, the Black Death
slowed down my M. Div. studies. Because of their lack of assistance with
the Black Death, the people grew frustrated with the Catholic Church. In 1372 I
finished my studies by earning my D. Div., while becoming increasingly
cross with the Church. Because of my early life and education, I was becoming a
man God could use.
As
a man, I was developing convictions that would challenge the Church for the
rest of my life. First of all, I did not believe it was right for the Church to
tax England. This introduced me to the world of politics. [2] In concentrated
thought, I deeply studied the scriptures because I believed it held the
answers to life, while writing about what I learned. Believing strongly that
everybody should have the Bible in English. In addition, I did not agree with
the Church’s concepts of transubstantiation, confession, and indulgences.
Because of my convictions, I started the Lollards, a group of poor pastors, who
worked to spread the truth. I deeply desired for people to have the Bible, so I
began translating the Bible into English for the first time in the world. In
1377 the irate pope, who was appalled, issued 5 papal bulls
against me, asking me to, “Come defend myself.” In May 1382, I was
condemned as a “heretic” at the corrupt Blackfriars Synod. My beliefs
were condemned, my teachings were condemned, my writings were condemned. As
a result of my convictions and my interference with the harmful ideas of the
Church, I was making an impact.
Despite
my big moves, things were coming to a close. In 1384 I experienced a stroke,
which set me back. But, I had bigger things to worry about, so I kept working. [3]Unfortunately,
I died of another stroke in Lutterworth, England, on the last day of the year,
1384. [5]Since they refused to recant, my followers died and were tortured by
the Church, additionally, they were excommunicated because they believed
my teachings were true. In 1427, forty-three years after my death, the Roman
Catholic Church unceremonially exhumed my body and threw my bones into
the fire. Afterwards they threw my ashes into the gushing river swift, which
runs to the ocean. Despite the Church trying like a brick wall to stop me,
my powerful ideas continued to influence reformers for hundreds
of years. [4]Remembering my impact, I am known as the, “Herald of the Reformation”
and the, “Morning Star of the Reformation” My impact continues to this day,
nearly 600 years after my death.
Because
of my early life and education, convictions and challenges to the Roman Catholic
Church, and my lasting impact that continues to this day, I am an important
person.
