Lollardy

Definition

Lollardy was a religious movement in England during the late 14th and early 15th centuries that sought to reform the Church and emphasized personal faith over institutional authority. The movement was influenced by John Wycliffe, who criticized church practices and advocated for the translation of the Bible into English. Lollards believed in the importance of individual interpretation of Scripture and opposed many Catholic doctrines, leading to tensions with the established Church.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lollardy emerged in the context of growing dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church, particularly its wealth, corruption, and perceived moral failings.
2. The Lollards produced a significant body of literature, including translations of the Bible and pamphlets that spread their ideas among the laity.
3. Lollardy faced severe persecution, with many followers being executed for heresy, particularly during the reign of Henry IV.
4. The movement had lasting impacts on English religious thought, influencing later reformers and contributing to the environment leading up to the English Reformation.
5. Despite its decline after the early 15th century, some Lollard ideas persisted in subsequent religious movements and discussions about church reform.

Review Questions

• What were the core beliefs of Lollardy, and how did they challenge the established Church?
  • The core beliefs of Lollardy centered around the importance of personal faith and interpretation of Scripture over adherence to institutional authority. Lollards criticized various practices of the Catholic Church, such as indulgences and the necessity of priestly mediation for salvation. By advocating for a translated Bible accessible to laypeople, they directly challenged the clerical monopoly on religious knowledge and sought a more personal relationship with God.
• Discuss the role of John Wycliffe in the development of Lollardy and how his teachings influenced followers.
  • John Wycliffe played a pivotal role in the development of Lollardy by challenging church doctrines and promoting the translation of the Bible into English. His teachings emphasized individual interpretation of Scripture and questioned the legitimacy of certain church practices. Wycliffe's ideas resonated with those dissatisfied with clerical authority, leading to a movement that sought reform within Christianity based on his principles.
• Evaluate how Lollardy contributed to the broader context of religious change in England leading up to the Reformation.
  • Lollardy laid important groundwork for religious change in England by introducing concepts that would later gain traction during the Reformation. The movement’s emphasis on scripture accessibility and individual faith challenged established norms within the Catholic Church and inspired future reformers. While Lollardy faced repression, its critiques persisted, influencing Protestant thought and contributing to an environment ripe for transformation during the 16th century.

Related terms

John Wycliffe: An English theologian and early reformer whose ideas inspired the Lollardy movement, advocating for scripture accessibility and criticizing church corruption.

Heresy:

Any belief or theory that goes against established doctrine, particularly those condemned by the Church, which often categorized Lollardy as heretical.

Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestantism, influenced by earlier reformist movements like Lollardy.