Pre-Luther Reformers

Definition

These were individuals who advocated for religious reform before Martin Luther's actions sparked widespread change. They criticized various aspects of Catholic doctrine and practice but did not break away entirely as Luther did.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a party where everyone is listening to pop music. You suggest switching things up with some rock or jazz (like pre-Luther reformers suggesting changes), but no one really listens until someone else grabs the aux cord and changes it themselves (like Martin Luther starting his own reformation).

Related terms

John Wycliffe: An English scholar who argued that Bible was final authority for Christian life and criticized wealth and power within Church hierarchy.

Jan Hus: A Czech theologian who proposed reforms like Wycliffe; he was excommunicated by Church leadership.

Erasmus: A Dutch humanist who called for reform within the Catholic Church but did not support a break from it.