The Last Age of the Church
1840
The Last Age of the Church
1840
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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The attributed author of this theological treatise, though authorship is disputed by the editor. A 14th-century reformer and theologian who critiques church corruption and papal authority.
The editor and scholar who prepared this manuscript for publication in 1840. He provides extensive commentary and notes while questioning the work's authenticity.
Medieval mystic and prophet whose apocalyptic theories about the end times heavily influence the treatise's prophetic framework. His works on the 'last age' provide the theological foundation.
Medieval theologian cited as authority for interpreting the four tribulations that will befall the Church.
About The Last Age of the Church
Chapter Summaries
- Preface
- Todd discusses the challenges of determining Wycliffe's authentic works and the importance of publishing original manuscripts. He questions the attribution of this treatise to Wycliffe while acknowledging its historical value.
- Main Treatise
- The core text presents a prophetic interpretation of church history, identifying four tribulations based on Psalm 91. It argues that the church is currently in the third tribulation of simony and predicts the coming of Antichrist in the final age.
Key Themes
- Ecclesiastical Corruption
- The treatise extensively critiques simony, nepotism, and the commercialization of church offices. Wycliffe condemns papal reservations, first fruits, and pensions as forms of spiritual commerce that corrupt the church's mission.
- Apocalyptic Prophecy
- Drawing heavily on Joachim's prophetic framework, the work presents a detailed timeline of church history leading to the final tribulation. The author uses numerological calculations based on Hebrew and Latin letters to predict the coming of Antichrist around 1400.
- Divine Judgment
- The text emphasizes that God will punish clerical corruption through tribulations and persecution. The author sees contemporary disasters like the plague as signs of divine displeasure with church leadership.
Characters
- John Wycliffe(protagonist)
- The attributed author of this theological treatise, though authorship is disputed by the editor. A 14th-century reformer and theologian who critiques church corruption and papal authority.
- James Henthorn Todd(major)
- The editor and scholar who prepared this manuscript for publication in 1840. He provides extensive commentary and notes while questioning the work's authenticity.
- Joachim (Abbot Joachim)(major)
- Medieval mystic and prophet whose apocalyptic theories about the end times heavily influence the treatise's prophetic framework. His works on the 'last age' provide the theological foundation.
- Bernard (St. Bernard)(minor)
- Medieval theologian cited as authority for interpreting the four tribulations that will befall the Church.
- Simon Magus(minor)
- Biblical figure representing simony and corruption in the early church, used as a type for contemporary clerical corruption.
- Peter (St. Peter)(minor)
- Apostle who fought against Simon Magus, representing the church's struggle against simony.
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John,Wycliffe. The Last Age of the Church. Lex, lex-books.com/book/the-last-age-of-the-church-29be6804-f30c-4c3b-953a-710f55c94fc3.John, W. (1840). The Last Age of the Church. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-last-age-of-the-church-29be6804-f30c-4c3b-953a-710f55c94fc3John,Wycliffe. The Last Age of the Church. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-last-age-of-the-church-29be6804-f30c-4c3b-953a-710f55c94fc3.
