Luke of Prague

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Lukas von Prag ( Lukáš Pražský in Czech ; Lucas Pragensis in Latin ; * around 1460 probably in Prague ; † December 11, 1528 in Jungbunzlau ) was a Czech theologian and bishop of the Unity of the Bohemian Brothers as well as the author of numerous theological writings and pioneer of the Reformation .

Life

Lukas was raised utraquist and studied at Charles University in Prague . After acquiring the Baccalaureate in 1481, he joined the Bohemian Brothers, from whom he was sent several times on diplomatic missions abroad, including France and Greece. In 1498 he made contact with the Waldensians in northern Italy . After the death of Bishop Matthias von Kunwald in 1500, he was appointed to one of the four bishops at the Brothers Synod in Reichenau and in 1518 he rose to the position of Chairman of the Council of Elders, succeeding the late Bishop Thomas von Přelouč .

Luke of Prague dealt with both the Roman Church and Luther's teaching and rejected his doctrine of justification . He rearranged church life and reformed worship services. He also successfully fought the radical wing of the university. This demanded that the brothers turn away from all wealth and worldly education, while Luke pursued the opposite. In this endeavor he was also supported by Thomas von Přelouč, who was also called to be bishop in 1500. In this way they achieved that highly educated and aristocratic personalities also join the Brotherhood.

Lukas is one of the best known and most successful writers of his time. A total of 169 theological writings are known. They include a catechism , a translation of the New Testament , the co-editing of hymns, etc. In addition to apologetic writings, they also contain the principles of the brotherhood as well as practical instructions for holding church services.

Lukas von Prag was the younger brother of the doctor Jan Černý , who also belonged to the Brethren Union, but was on the side of the radical wing in matters of education and wealth.

Works (selection)

  • O používání těla a krve Páně ( On the use of the body and blood of the Lord )
  • Otázky dětinské ( questions about children )
  • O manželství ( About marriage )
  • O obnovení církve svaté ( On the Renewal of the Holy Church )
  • Apologia sacrae scripturae

literature

personal data
SURNAME Luke of Prague
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Pražský, Lukáš; Pragensis, Lucas
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Bishop of the University of Bohemian Brethren and Writers
DATE OF BIRTH around 1460
DATE OF DEATH December 11, 1528
Place of death Jungbunzlau