Contextualizes the Czech Reformation in the setting of Prague University.

The Czech Reformation offered a radical solution to the spiritual and institutional crisis of the late medieval church at the end of the fourteenth century. The beginnings of this reform are distinctly connected with Prague University, which drew many educated people to Prague from across Europe. Through John Hus—a former Prague University student who became its rector in 1402—the Czech Reformation gave rise to a new, radical ecclesiology. Not only did Hus challenge the hierarchical system of the church, but under his influence, the Czech Reformation acquired a specific national shape, and elements of Czech messianism emerged with the university.

Prague, John Hus and Prague University explores that sentiment within Prague University, as well as its limits and restrictive consequences for the Czech Reformation and Czech medieval society. Emphasis is placed on showing how Prague and the university became a world that existed outside the Christian ecumenism of the time.

Martin Nodl is associate professor of historical studies at Charles University’ Faculty of Humanities. He is also a member of the Centre for Medieval Studies at the Czech Academy of Sciences. Lucia Faltin is a translator of Czech, Slovak, Russian, and French.

Sources
Introduction
I. Bohemian Reformation
The Hussites and the Bohemian Reformation
Hussite Reformation Between the Emergence of New Piety, (Un)Reformability of the Old Faith and “Dechristianisation”
Confessionalization and Religious (In)Tolerance in Prague of the Second Half of the 15th Century
Between authority and obedience. Ecclesiology versus practical religion
II. Prague University
Corporative Interests Versus Nationalism. Prague University at the Turn of the 15th Century
Praga mater atrium. Translatio studii and the University of Prague
Puri bohemi of Hieronymus Pragensis. On the faces of Czech national conscience and nationalism
John Hus and the Prague University
III. Prague
Old Town Hall as a Site of Election of Czech Kings and a symbol of the Country’s Majesty
Ritual and politics. The conflicts of Ladislaus Jagiello and the appointment of councillors in the Old and New Towns of Prague in early 16th century