Evangelical Library Lunchtime Zoom Lecture KEith Berry on Jan Hus

It was great last Tuesday to hear Keith Berry giving the third and final zoom lecture of our latest series of lunch time lectures for the Evangelical Library. He spoke on a recent trip to the Czech Republic where he followed in the footsteps of the proto-reformer, Jan Hus (1369-1415). In Bethlehem Chapel where he preached the "six heresies" for whch he was martyred are recalled. They are

1. The Church:

Hus believed the Church was the body of those predestined to salvation, not the hierarchy, and that Christ was the head, not the Pope.

2. Indulgences:

He criticized the sale of indulgences and the belief that they could forgive sins.

3. Communion:

Hus advocated for communion in both bread and wine for both laypeople and priests, challenging the traditional practice.

4. Validity of Sacraments:

He believed the validity of sacraments was dependent on the moral character of the priest, not just their ordination.

5. Criticism of Church Discipline and Organisation:

Hus openly criticised the Church for its corruption and abuses.

6. Wycliffite Teachings:

Hus was accused of adopting and promoting the teachings of John Wycliffe, including ideas about the Bible and Church authority.

Hus said "By the help of God I have preached, still am preaching, and if his grace will allow, shall continue to preach; if perchance I may be able to lead some poor, tired, or halting soul into the house of Christ to the King's supper." When he died he prayed "Lord Jesus Christ , I implore Thee , forgive all my enemies for Thy great mercy's sake ; and Thou knowest that they have falsely accused me and have produced false witnesses and have concocted false articles against me!"