What were the key ideas of John Wycliffe?

John Wycliffe, an influential figure in Medieval Philosophy, had several key ideas. Firstly, he advocated for the translation of the Bible into the vernacular language, believing that everyone should have access to the Scriptures and be able to interpret them for themselves. This idea challenged the authority of the Church and its monopoly on biblical interpretation.

Secondly, Wycliffe criticized the wealth and corruption of the Church, arguing that clergy should live in poverty and that the Church should not possess vast amounts of land and wealth. He believed that true followers of Christ should lead a simple and humble life.

Furthermore, Wycliffe rejected the doctrine of transubstantiation, which states that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ. Instead, he proposed the concept of consubstantiation, suggesting that the bread and wine coexist with the body and blood of Christ.

Lastly, Wycliffe questioned the authority of the Pope and the hierarchy of the Church, advocating for a more democratic structure where the Church is subservient to the state. He believed that the Pope should not have absolute power and that the state should have the authority to reform the Church.

Overall, John Wycliffe's key ideas centered around the accessibility of the Bible, criticism of the Church's wealth and corruption, rejection of transubstantiation, and questioning the authority of the Pope and the Church hierarchy.