Page 72 - God's Church through the Ages - Student Textbook

against sin and the wicked ways of many in the city, especially those in leadership. He also harshly attacked the
Pope Alexander, who was particularly scandalous and had fathered a number of illegitimate children.

By 1497, the pope excommunicated Savonarola, and within the year ordered his death. He sent two papal
ambassadors to Florence who had instructions to be certain the rebellious friar was executed. Savonarola and
two of his adherents were burned in the city’s great piazza.

Savonarola was not a protestant, but he had a great desire to see people live as those whom Christ had called.
The wealthy, worldly society he opposed could not tolerate his condemnation.

11.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Describe what Hesychasm is and why it is not Biblical:

2. How does the Roman Catholic Church practice Hesychasm prayer?

3. Why was John Wycliffe called the “Morning Star of the Reformation?”

4. Why was John Hus burned at the stake?

5. How did Johnann Gutenberg change the course of history?

6. What did Savonarola do to end up being burned at the stake?

11.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activity: How do you treat your Bible? Do you read it and apply it’s teachings to your life daily? Do
you ever sit it on the ground in disrespect? Remember it is God’s Word and is to be treated as such.
It is a precious book. As we will see as we continue to study church history, thousands of people
gave up their lives in translating it so that we may have a copy of God’s book.

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