人生歷程
Jan Hus was born to a poor family in southern Bohemia. His surname derives from his birthplace of Husinec.
Hus enrolled at the University of Prague to study theology. He would eventually become one of its most influential masters.
Hus completed his Master of Arts and began teaching at the university. He quickly gained a reputation as a gifted lecturer.
Hus encountered the works of John Wycliffe which deeply influenced his theology. He would become Wycliffe's most important continental advocate.
Hus was ordained and soon became a popular preacher. His sermons attracted large crowds with their moral earnestness and Czech patriotism.
Hus became rector and preacher at Bethlehem Chapel which held 3000 people. He preached in Czech rather than Latin, reaching common people.
King Wenceslaus IV issued a decree giving Czechs majority control of Prague University. German masters departed in protest to found Leipzig University.
Hus was elected rector of the restructured university. This was the peak of his academic career and public influence.
Archbishop Zbyněk ordered the burning of Wycliffe's writings. Hus publicly protested and continued defending Wycliffe's ideas.
Archbishop Zbyněk excommunicated Hus for his continued defiance. The Prague citizens rioted in support of their beloved preacher.
Hus publicly attacked the papal sale of indulgences to fund a crusade. This brought him into direct conflict with Pope John XXIII.
Papal interdict placed on Prague forced Hus to leave the city. He spent two years writing and preaching in the Bohemian countryside.
Hus traveled to the Council to defend his views with a safe conduct from Emperor Sigismund. He hoped to reform the Church through debate.
Despite his safe conduct, Hus was arrested and imprisoned. The Council declared that promises to heretics need not be kept.
The Council tried Hus on charges of heresy based on his writings. He refused to recant unless convinced by Scripture of his errors.
Hus was executed by burning on July 6. His martyrdom sparked the Hussite Wars and made him a symbol of Czech national identity.
