Wycliffe's Ideas
The Nature of Reality
The Nature of Reality
What really is this world that we experience around us? How can we understand it and make sense of it? Wycliffe believed he had the answer to these fundamental questions. In fact, all his future work was built on this surprising worldview.
The Right to Rule
The Right to Rule
What gives one person the right to wield power and authority over another? What separates the King and his army from a brigand and his thugs? Is it simply a case that might is right? Wycliffe's investigations into this controversial subject kickstarted his public career.
The Divine Bible
The Divine Bible
What is the Bible? What does it mean that it is the Word of God? Does God still speak through the Bible today, and if so how? His Bible would never have been translated if Wycliffe had not first tackled these questions and come to some radical conclusions.
Saints and Sinners
Saints and Sinners
From the simple parish priests up to the resplendent Popes and Cardinals, the medieval Church exercised unrivalled power over the hearts and minds of Christendom. But despite its vast profile, Wycliffe had a burning question. Under all the pageantry, what actually was the Church?
The Law of Christ
The Law of Christ
Fear dominated Christendom – fear of Hell, fear of death, fear of God. Fear powered the popular religion of the day. But did God want his people to live in fear? Wycliffe went back to the teachings of Jesus, to see what he had to say about the purpose of life.
Body and Blood
Body and Blood
Central to Christianity is the 'mass' or the 'Lords Supper'. “This is my body,” said Jesus. “This is my blood.” But what did he mean? The medieval church were confident in what they believed, but Wycliffe came to a very different conclusion.
God's Masterplan
God's Masterplan
The thorny paradox of predestination continues as a subject of debate in internet forums, churches and theology study groups around the world. How can the idea of a sovereign God match up with human free will? Wycliffe had his own decisive answer.
Something is Rotten
Something is Rotten
Wycliffe was not alone in his fight against corruption, but he was certainly one of the loudest voices. He saw systemic problems in the church from the top to the bottom, and was never shy to point them out. But was he right? What really was the situation in the medieval church?
The Poor Preachers
The Poor Preachers
Inspired by Wycliffe, a generation of 'poor preachers' spread out from Oxford and into the fields and villages. Rejected by the elite, they found a willing audience among the peasants, artisans and traders. But who were these men, and what was the message they preached?