An Impact that Continues Six-Hundred Years Later

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.