May 3, 2017
Devotions – Personalities of the Reformation – Precursors
Jerome of Prague

Jerome of Prague, also called Hieronymus, lived from 1379 – May 30, 1416. He was a Czech scholastic philosopher, theologian, church reformer, and professor. Jerome was one of the chief followers of Jan Huss and was burned also for heresy against the Church of Rome.

He dedicated his life to eradicate those church doctrines and dogmas he found to be corrupt. He was constantly in and out of jail throughout his life. Jerome tended to teach radical ideas pertaining to Roman Catholic doctrine, namely that God’s teachings were directly accessible to a Christian without need for the church or church officials. He taught that one should obey the direct teachings of Jesus, even when they conflicted with those of the Catholic Church. He was largely a follower of the ideologies of both church reformers John Wycliffe and Jan Hus. As his teachings were contrary to those of the Roman Catholic Church, he was constantly on the run from authorities. Hus, although much less disruptive in his approach, was a mentor for Jerome. His radical ideas eventually brought about his death by execution as a heretic to the church.

He was condemned to die in the flames as Hus had. For two days the Council of Constance kept him in suspense, hoping to frighten him into a recantation. The Cardinal of Florence personally reasoned with him. Jerome remained steadfast. When a cap was made for him painted with red devils, he said, “Our Lord Jesus Christ, when he suffered death for me, a most miserable sinner, did wear a crown of thorns upon his head; and I for his sake will wear this adorning of derision and blasphemy. He sang hymns on his way to execution. Because of his vigor and health he was a long time dying in the flames. On this day, May 30, 1416, he and his paper crown were burned. but made him a martyr for the Protestant Reformation and the followers of Jan Huss and the“Hussites”.” (wikipedia; Into The Fire Went Jerome of Prague, Dan Graves, christianity.com website)

First there was Wycliffe, then Huss, and then there was Jerome. He is not to be confused with St. Jerome who died on September 30, 420. He was a follower of John Huss, and he too was burned in the flames of martyrdom. Jerome was in and out of jail throughout most of his life for his teachings such as “…that God’s teachings were directly accessible to a Christian without need for the church or church officials.” Luther would go on to translate the New Testament from Latin into German so that the people could read the Word of G-d without the need for Priests to read it and interpret it for them.

You see, people died for the opportunity for all people to be able to read the Word of G-d and seek the meaning of scripture in their lives. We should remember every day people have died so that we could have the opportunity to read the bible in our homes, in our work places, in our churches, and in the streets.

Pastor Dave

* Collect bottles of shampoo and conditioner this week for Trinity’s Table.