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JOHN WYCLIFFE WAS THE FATHER OF PROTESTANTISM, NOT MARTIN LUTHER! --------------------------------------------------------- John Wycliffe (c. 1328–1384) is frequently called the "Morning Star of the Reformation" or a "father" of Protestantism, as he was a 14th-century English scholastic philosopher and theologian who WAS 100 YEARS BEFORE Martin Luther He challenged the Roman Catholic Church by advocating for a vernacular Bible, questioning papal authority, and opposing the doctrine of transubstantiation. Wikipedia Key details regarding Wycliffe's influence include: Bible Translation: While his direct involvement is debated, he spearheaded the effort to translate the Bible from the Latin Vulgate into Middle English, promoting the idea that scripture should be accessible in the common language. Theological Challenges: He viewed the Bible as the supreme authority over the church and believed in salvation by grace. He also attacked the wealth of the church, the sale of indulgences, and the validity of sacraments performed by clergy in mortal sin. "Morning Star" Legacy: He is considered a "protestant before the Protestants," as his followers, known as Lollards, carried his reformist ideas into the 15th century. Condemnation: Although he died of natural causes, his teachings were posthumously condemned, and he was declared a heretic. While Martin Luther is usually recognized as the primary leader of the Protestant Reformation, Wycliffe is regarded as one of its most important early reformers.