16. John Huss and the Papal Schism

The heir and successor to John Wyclif, John Huss, carried on his tradition of affirming the simplicity of the gospel and challenging the corruption of the leadership of the Church. From his powerful preaching at the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague, he argued for a return to the central truths of the New Testament. His growing influence led to his trial and execution by the very leaders he had so vigorously criticized, but by his death even greater forces were unleashed that would eventually erupt in the sweeping movement known as the Reformation.