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The last age of the church

Written by John‏ Wycliffe

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Church history

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About this book

"The Last Age of the Church" by John Wycliffe is a theological treatise composed in the mid-14th century. This work reflects the author's inquiries into Christian doctrine and the conditions of the Church at that time. It delves into prophetic interpretations, particularly surrounding the concept of Antichrist, while critiquing the practices within the Church, including issues of clerical corruption and simony. In this treatise, Wycliffe examines the state of the Church and its impending tribulations, linking them to historical prophecies that suggest a time of great spiritual challenge. He presents a chronological view of the Church's age, articulating that the era leading up to the arrival of Antichrist will be marked by the rise of clerical abuses and moral decay. Citing various theological authorities, he discusses how these tribulations have symptoms in the form of spiritual and institutional failings, advocating for reform and a return to genuine Christian values. The piece serves as both a warning and a call to action for the faithful to recognize and address the waning integrity of ecclesiastical authority.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The last age of the church, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • serious
  • didactic
  • critical

John Wycliffe's "The Last Age of the Church" is a mid-14th-century theological treatise deeply critical of the contemporary Roman Catholic Church. It interprets biblical prophecies, particularly concerning the Antichrist, to argue that the Church is in a period of spiritual decline marked by clerical corruption, simony, and a departure from genuine Christian values. Wycliffe posits that these abuses are symptoms of an impending era of great tribulation, serving as a warning and a fervent call for a return to scriptural authority and moral integrity. The work challenges ecclesiastical authority and advocates for radical reform, establishing Wycliffe as a significant pre-Reformation figure.

“"The Church of Christ is not the pope and his cardinals, but the whole body of the elect."”

Key themes

Clerical Corruption and Reform
This is the central theme, as Wycliffe meticulously details and condemns the moral failings of the clergy, including simony, pluralism, avarice, and neglect of pastoral duties. He argues these abuses are not incidental but symptomatic of a deeper spiritual illness within the institution, necessitating radical reform and a return to original Christian principles.
Prophecy and Eschatology
Wycliffe frames his critique within an eschatological worldview, interpreting contemporary events and the state of the Church as fulfilling biblical prophecies, particularly those concerning the 'last age' and the coming of the Antichrist. This theme provides a theological urgency and a sense of divine judgment to his arguments.
Church Authority vs. Scriptural Authority
Implicit throughout the treatise is Wycliffe's nascent emphasis on the Bible as the supreme authority, often subtly challenging the prevailing view of papal infallibility and the authority of Church tradition. He uses scripture to expose the discrepancies between the Church's practices and Christ's teachings, laying groundwork for later sola scriptura doctrines.

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