We take up the story at the start of the 16th century with Martin
Luther. But before we do, let us remember that protest against the
mutilation of Christ’s church was not unknown during the dark
ages. Men and, no doubt, women – men like Claude of Turin (died
827), Tanchelm (died 1115), Peter of Bruys (flourished c1117-
c1131), Henry of Lausanne (flourished c1116-c1148), Arnold of
Brescia (1110-1155), John Tauler (c1300-1361), John Wycliffe
(c1328-1384), John Hus (c1369-1415), the Lollards and their like,
should never be forgotten. They all made their protest against
Rome, and in one way or another called for a return to the New
Testament. I am not pretending that they had full gospel light. But,
in their various ways, they all prepared the ground for the
approaching Reformation. |
