The Man with a Long Shadow: The Story of John Wycliffe

by Clara H. Stewart

“Men are sharers in evil deeds who, by a coward dumbness, fail to oppose them.” Thus spoken by John Wycliffe in 14th century England. His battle was for Truth as found in the Scriptures and in the One revealed there.

Wycliffe lived during dangerous and often violent times. He saw a third of his countrymen perish in the Black Death. He fell into conflict with archbishops and popes. He had dealings with kings and princes. He knew the horror of the Peasants’ Revolt.

He was Oxford University’s most outstanding philosopher and theologian, yet he put aside personal ambition and gave his life to an unrelenting battle against the wrong and for the right. As he took one dangerous step after another, he lost the support of powerful friends. In the end, he stood almost alone.

Can one man make a difference? The answer was late in coming, which is why we need to take a fresh look at this man today. He casts a long shadow!”