Jan Hus was one of the most prominent reformers in the Czech lands. He criticized the Catholic Church for straying too far from its spiritual mission and upheld the Holy Scriptures as the highest Christian authority. “But he was also very human. He dealt with everyday life, presented Christianity as a religion of faith, love and hope, and even had a sense of humor,” says Tomáš Butta, Patriarch of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. What is the legacy of Jan Hus for today?
Can we take inspiration from the opinions and attitudes of Jan Hus even today?
Hus’ importance is mostly seen in his martyrdom, but already his life and work were very significant. He was a university teacher who educated his students. He was an appealing preacher, addressing the general public. He was a reformer, he sought to reform the medieval church. And what he strove for, what he did, what values he stood for, he sealed and confirmed with his death.
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The question is whether it belongs to the Middle Ages or, on the contrary, to the beginnings of the new era. Both are certainly valid claims. When we read his writings on preaching, it is a challenging theological and philosophical material for us, yet he tried to present Christianity in an understandable way as a religion of faith, love and hope. And although his updates are strongly ethical and sometimes sharp in their criticism, it is clear that he was also a very human person. He also dealt with everyday life and even had a sense of humor.
Today, we might express its relevance by saying that it was regarding building credibility in society. Credibility is very important at any time, even today. We build trust over the long term, but we can also lose it quickly. For Jan Hus, trustworthiness meant sticking to Christ and his truth, regardless of whether it brings one advantage, benefit or appreciation.
How likely is it that the Catholic Church will rehabilitate Jan Hus and include him among the church reformers? Listen to the full interview.
