Jan Hus, Martyr of Prague
The first week of studies at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague has concluded. I will spend most of the day tomorrow hitting the books in the library. This evening, however, I took the metro into the city center and walked around the Old Town Square. A statue of Jan Hus, Bohemia's great 15th-century reformer and national hero, stands in the center.
The description of his death is disturbing. The Council of Constance condemned him in the cathedral on July 6, 1415. After the celebration of a High Mass - a service of worship honoring a victim of capital punishment, mind you - Hus was brought inside and made to listen to a sermon on the duty of eradicating heresy. After the condemnation was pronounced, Hus once more protested that he only sought to be convinced of his error from Scripture. He fell to his knees and asked God to forgive his accusers.
Hus was enrobed in the vestments of a priest, cursed, and had them taken away. Jesus was cursed, spat upon, and had a robe placed on him to be mocked for his claims to lordship. A paper hat was placed on Hus' head that said "Arch heretic." A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head.
After he was led away to the place of execution, Hus was asked again to recant. Hus declined and said, "God is my witness that I have never taught that of which I have by false witnesses been accused. In the truth of the Gospel which I have written, taught, and preached, I will die today with gladness." Then he was burnt at the stake.
Pope John Paul II expressed "deep regret" for Hus' cruel death in 1999, and suggested an inquiry that might clear Hus of heresy. As yet, no such inquiry has begun.
Labels: Historia
Post a Comment