"I‘ve never ridden in a hood pulled down, but apparently, with my face uncovered" Cover Image

„Nikdy jsem nejel v shrnuté kapuci, ale zřejmě, s tváří odkrytou“
"I‘ve never ridden in a hood pulled down, but apparently, with my face uncovered"

Philosophical and Theological Reflection on Letters by Master Jan Hus

Author(s): Jan Samohýl
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci
Keywords: Jan Hus; Church; Letters; Theological and Philosophical Context; Society; Politics; Openness; Friendship

Summary/Abstract: This article aims to examine the ideological and social character of Hus’ letters. The literary form of his letters itself is unique and particularly interesting. In his letters Hus shows both diplomatic experience and friendly participation. Three questions are asked in the text: what are the main topics of his letters, if there is a firmness in his views during his incarceration in Constance, and also if it is possible to find a theological or ideological continuity with his previous more systematic texts. The letters demonstrate, in addition to other topics, Hus’ openness and friendly participation in particular. The continuity of his letters is solid, Hus, the Czech reformer, did not change his positions and attitudes during his stay at the Council. This could induce the conclusion that Jan Hus acts in his letters, even in those written in 1411, as more of a community leader with a clear vision as opposed to a theological reformer. The clear presence of his philosophical and theological ideas contained in his systematic treatises can be found in many of his letters.

  • Issue Year: XVII/2015
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 221-237
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Czech