1. Who was John Wycliffe?
John Wycliff had many titles: philosopher, theologian, Bible translator, reformer, and Oxford seminary professor. He challenged the established role of the church, by rejection of indulgences. (Indulgences were a way to lessen the intensity of punishment due for sins). He also was a believer in predestination. Basically,this is the theory that God has decided ahead of time whether one will go to heaven or hell. It's not something that we can control, by making good or bad decisions in life. Regardless of what choices we make, ultimately the power is in the creator's hands. Iconoclasm was another hypothesis concocted by John Wycliff, and closely followed by his supporters. At the core, it's the concept that spiritual icons should be destroyed. Portraits or physical depictions of holy forms were unlawful, and fallacious. This was completely contrary to the Catholic's long-held system, of reverence and worship for such monuments. The Virgin Mary, for instance, has traditionally been portrayed as a goddess, to be esteemed among the highest. Statues and artistic renderings of her are classics and central to the Catholic faith. John, however shunned this notion, and was disliked as a result. Wycliff had many strange beliefs, that caused the Catholic church to be apprehensive and wary of the English priest.He regarded the clergy as stuck-up and conceited, and the parish ceremonies as extravagant. He paid no attention to the high position they held, but detested their cocky attitude and air. It was only natural then that they were wary of him. His viewpoints ran contrary to ancient tradition, and created conflict between himself and the church.
3.What was the Great Western Schism? and how it was resolved?
The Great Western Schism was a split or divorce occurring within the papality. Pope Gregory had died in 1378, and a new pope had to be chosen.There was a Roman mob that insisted on only having an Italian or Roman pope. They were adamant about their desires, and were appalled at the thought of a French pope overseeing matters. For the past ten years, there had been a pattern of French popes. The people were tired of this, and banged on the doors with axes to get their way. The college of cardinals noted the commotion the people were making, with great distress. The cardinals at last relented to the pressure and elected Bartolomeo Pregnano. It was the very least they could manage, to satisfy the demands of the riot. Bartolomeo may not have been Roman, but as an Italian would have to suffice. He adopted the name of Urban VI, and was recognized for his calm mentality. Alas, he would soon change and be subject to brutal, unexpected mood swings. Bartolomeo boycotted the church officials in his service, and even abused one by hitting him. The cardinals were curious and worried about what was taking place, behind closed doors. Once they discovered his incapabilities, they brought together a new conclave. They then elected a new pope, a Frenchmen dubbed Clement VIII. Urban only persisted in being a nuisance, when he wouldn't relinquish his hold. Clement had to dwell in Avignon as a make-shift home, while the situation was resolved. This turning point marked the start of the Great Western Schism. Soon countries in Europe began taking sides, some standing with Urban and others siding with Clement. The two popes tried to end the breach, by excommunicating each other. So great was the turmoil, that the bishops even added a new prayer to the mass. It asked that provision and grace be granted for "whoever was the pope"!
In 1409, the ecumenical council of Pisa was called. No conclusion was reached, because neither of the men would cede! The cardinals voted in yet a third pope, who Clement and Urban both reviled. The second council of Constance took place in 1414, when Pope Martin V was selected. At last, one of the popes left their position, while the other two ceased to appear.
The Great Western Schism highly impaired the integrity of the church, leaving it in shambles and disarray.
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