Did the Lollards Accept the Apocrypha Books?

Understanding the historical context of religious texts, such as the Apocrypha, is crucial for comprehending the evolution of Christian theology. The Lollards, a 14th and 15th-century English movement influenced by John Wycliffe, had a significant stance on these disputed texts. This article delves into the evidence and reasoning behind the Lollards' rejection of the Apocrypha books, supported by key biblical verses and historical insights.

The Divine Inspiration of Scripture (Hebrews 1:1-2)

The Bible, as revealed by God, has a clear and distinct narrative of divine communication. According to the New Testament, God has spoken to humanity in two primary ways: through the Old Testament and the New Testament. Hebrews 1:1-2 states:

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (King James Version)

This verse emphasizes that God’s messages to humanity were initially communicated through prophets and later through his Son, Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16 further reinforces the importance of scripture, declaring every scripture to be divine and useful for multiple purposes:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The Need for Immediate Revelation (2 Timothy 3:17)

This biblical text aims to emphasize the clarity and practical application of scripture, leading to personal transformation and completeness in the faith. For instance, 2 Timothy 3:17 highlights:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The Lollards rejected the Apocrypha because they believed that these books, written by uninspired men during the 400-year "Silent" period between the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and the first New Testament gospel, Luke, could not provide true revelations or inspire the faithful.

The Traps Laid by Evil Men (Jeremiah 5:26)

The Bible also warns about the dangers of accepting uninspired writings, highlighting the deceptive nature of those who write and distribute such texts. Jeremiah 5:26 is a pertinent passage:

For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, and they catch men.

This verse implies that wicked men have historically tried to trap the faithful with false and misleading texts.

The Papal Declaration of 1546 and Its Consequences

The Council of Trent, convened in 1546, declared that tradition and the unwritten word, including the Apocrypha, should be recognized as divine and inspired, setting the stage for subsequent conflicts. As stated on April 8th, 1546:

Therefore, this sacred and ecumenical synod declares that the Apocrypha, as they are called, which the extant catalogue of the canonical books does not contain, were never received and expected as sacred books by the Christian people and that, if they are read to the people, they are to be received only with an adulterated religious repute, that is, as useful and good stories that do not deserve to be questioned with regard to the articles of faith and good works (Codicis Iuris Canonici, 1983).

The Lollards and those aligned with them, rejected such declarations, seeing them as snares and traps set by wicked men to mislead the faithful.

Conclusion

The Lollards’ rejection of the Apocrypha stemmed from a firm belief in divine inspiration and the necessity of clear, reliable texts for the spiritual growth and transformation of believers. By comparing these beliefs to established biblical verses and historical events, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Lollards’ perspective on the Apocrypha and the importance of recognizing only inspired writings as divine revelations.

Keywords: Lollards, Apocrypha, Catholicism, Inspiration, Tradition