John Colet

John Colet, (January 1467 – September 10, 1519), was an English churchman and educational pioneer. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 150 × 205 pixelsFull resolution (150 × 205 pixel, file size: 25 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Template:InformationJohn Colet, English churchman and educator +/- File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 150 × 205 pixelsFull resolution (150 × 205 pixel, file size: 25 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Template:InformationJohn Colet, English churchman and educator +/- File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not... Events October 29 - Battle of Brusthem: Charles the Bold defeats Liege Beginning of the Sengoku Period in Japan. ... September 10 is the 253rd day of the Gregorian calendar (254th in leap years). ... Events March 4 - Hernán Cortés lands in Mexico. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem God Save the King (Queen) England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Queen Queen Elizabeth II  -  Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification  -  by Athelstan 967  Area...

Introduction Colet was an English scholar, theologian, and dean of St. Paul’s. He was the first to bring the style of Italian humanism together with Christian Revelation. Colet wanted people to see the scripture as their guide through life. Furthermore, he wanted to restore theology and rejuvenate Christianity. Colet is an important early leader of Christian humanism as he linked humanism and reform. Colet influenced Erasmus, a key player in Christian humanism.

Childhood and Education

The eldest son of Sir Henry Colet, (Lord Mayor of London 1486 and 1495), he was born in London in January 1467, and was educated at St Anthony's school and at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he took his M.A. in 1490. He was already nonresident rector of Dennington, Suffolk, and vicar of St Dunstan's, Stepney, and now became rector of Thurning, Hunts. In 1493 he went to Paris and then to Italy, studying canon and civil law, patristics and Greek. Current Lord Mayor of London John Stuttard during the parade on November 11th, 2006 Michael Berry Savory, Previous Lord Mayor (2004–2005) The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London is the Mayor of the City of London and head of the Corporation of London. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... College name Magdalen College Collegium Beatae Mariae Magdalenae Named after Mary Magdalene Established 1458 Sister College Magdalene College President Professor David Clary FRS JCR President Jessica Jones Undergraduates 395 MCR President Kader Allouni Graduates 230 Homepage Boatclub Magdalen College (pronounced ) is one of the constituent colleges of the University of... Suffolk (pronounced ) is a large historic and modern non-metropolitan county in East Anglia, England. ... Stepney is a place in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ... Canon law is the term used for the internal ecclesiastical law which governs various churches, most notably the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Anglican Communion of churches. ... Civil law or continental law is the predominant system of law in the world. ... Patristics is the study of early Christian writers, known as the Church Fathers. ...

Time Abroad

During his time abroad he became acquainted with Budaeus (Guillaume Budé) and Erasmus, and with the teaching of Savonarola. On his return to England in 1496 he took orders and settled at Oxford, where he lectured on the epistles of Saint Paul, replacing the old scholastic method of interpretation with one more in harmony with the new learning. Due to their influences, when he arrived back in England, he returned more than just a humanist; he returned a Christian reformer. His methods did much to influence Erasmus, who visited Oxford in 1498, and who later received an annuity from Colet. Guillaume Budé (Latin: Guglielmus Budaeus) (1467 - August 23, 1540) was a French scholar. ... Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (also Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam) (October 27, probably 1466 – July 12, 1536) was a Dutch humanist and theologian. ... Girolamo Savonarola by Fra Bartolomeo, ca 1498 Girolamo Savonarola (September 21, 1452–May 23, 1498), also translated as Jerome Savonarola or Hieronymous Savonarola, was a Dominican priest and, briefly, ruler of Florence, who was known for religious reformation and anti-Renaissance preaching and his book burning and destruction of... 1496 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Oxford is a city and local government district in Oxfordshire, England, with a population of 134,248 ( 2001 census). ... Paul of Tarsus (b. ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Holding Office

Since 1494, Colet had been prebendary of York, and canon of St Martin le Grand, London. In 1502 he became prebendary of Salisbury, in 1505 prebendary of St Paul's, and immediately afterwards its dean, having previously taken the degree of doctor of divinity. He continued to lecture on the books of the Bible; and he soon afterwards established a perpetual divinity lecture, three days each week, in St Paul's itself. While Dean at St. Paul’s (1505-1519), John Colet tried to use his preaching, administration, scriptural exegesis and education to create Church reform. In about 1508, having inherited his father's large wealth, Colet formed his plan for the re-foundation of St Paul's School, which he completed in 1512, and endowed with estates of an annual value of £122 and upwards. The school, dedicated to the Child Jesus, was in place to give young boys a Christian education. The celebrated grammarian William Lilye was the first master, and the company of mercers were (in 1510) appointed trustees, the first example of non-clerical management in education. The dean's religious opinions were so liberal that some deemed him a heretic; but William Warham, the Archbishop of Canterbury, refused to prosecute him. King Henry VIII also held him in high esteem despite his sermons against the French wars. 1494 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1502 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1505 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the cathedral church of the diocese of London. ... The Dean of St Pauls is the head of the Chapter of St Pauls Cathedral in London, England and an extremely influential position in the Church of England. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library of Congress. ... Divinity has a number of related uses in the field of religious belief and study. ... 1508 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... St Pauls School St Pauls School is a boys public school. ... William Lilye, or Lily (c. ... The Worshipful Company of Mercers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. ... Year 1510 (MDX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... Look up Heretic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Walliam Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1527 (Louvre Museum) William Warham (c. ... The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader and senior clergyman of the Church of England, recognized by convention as the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. ... Silver groat of Henry VIII, minted c. ...

Besides the preferments above mentioned, he was rector of the guild of Jesus at St Paul's and chaplain to Henry VIII. In 1514 he made the Canterbury pilgrimage, and in 1515 preached at Wolsey's installation as cardinal. St Pauls is either: St Pauls Cathedral St Pauls School This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England and Lord of Ireland (later King of Ireland) from 22 April 1509 until his death. ... 1514 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1515 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (c. ...

A Reformer

Colet, though never dreaming of a formal breach with Roman Catholicism, was a keen reformer, who disapproved of auricular confession, and of clerical celibacy. He was a powerful force in the England of his day, and helped materially to disintegrate the medieval conditions still obtaining, and to introduce the humanist movement. Among his works which were first collectively nihilishet in 1867-1876, are Absoliaissimus de octo orationis partium constructione libellus (Antwerp, 1530), Rudimenta Grammatices (London, 1539), Daily Devotions, Monition to a Godly Life, Epistolae ad Erasmum, and commentaries on different parts of the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Clerical celibacy is the practice of various religious traditions in which clergy, monastics and those in religious orders (female or male) adopt a celibate life, refraining from marriage and sexual relationships, including masturbation and impure thoughts (such as sexual visualisation and fantasies). ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem God Save the King (Queen) England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Queen Queen Elizabeth II  -  Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification  -  by Athelstan 967  Area... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times. ... Humanism[1] is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appeal to universal human qualities—particularly rationalism. ...

Sermons

Colet had many distinguished sermons. One is the beginning of the Convocation of the clergy of Canterbury province at the London Cathedral, February 6, 1512. Archbishop Warham of Canterbury invited Colet to make the speech. Colet’s speech is both direct and insightful. It represents his work, or as Colet said himself, he is “speaking out of zeal, a man sorrowing for the ruin of the Church”. Furthermore, Colet stated that he came “…here today, fathers, to admonish you with all your minds to deliberate, in this your Council, concerning the reformation of the Church”. The Convocation sermon is one of the most well known of his sermons. Many opinions regarding Colet emerged due to this sermon, in addition to the biographical information described by Erasmus. Colet has been called a pseudo-Protestant that welcomed the Reformation back to a traditional Catholic based upon this sermon. In addition, Colet gave a notable sermon before the royal court on Good Friday, 1513. He gave this speech in the wake of political tension; specifically, an English push for war against France. In his speech, Colet condemned war and prompted Christians to fight only for Christ. Canterbury is a cathedral city in east Kent in South East England and is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Primate of All England, head of the Church of England and of the worldwide Anglican Communion. ... For alternative meanings see St. ... February 6 is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1512 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

A Christian Humanist

While Colet is not as well known of a Christian humanist as Erasmus, his writings are reflective of Christian humanism. In his writings, Colet refers to Italian humanists and Platonists Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola. Erasmus said of Colet: “When I listen to Colet it seems to me that I am listening to Plato himself”. Erasmus likely portrayed Colet to show that one could be highly critical of the Church while still a loyal priest. His depiction of Colet was partly a depiction of himself. Domenico Ghirlandaio. ... Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (February 24, 1463 – November 17, 1494) was an Italian Renaissance humanist philosopher and scholar. ... Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (also Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam) (October 27, probably 1466 – July 12, 1536) was a Dutch humanist and theologian. ...

Studied Over Time

Colet has been studied frequently over time and has experienced resurgences in popularity. Bishop Kennett studied Colet during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Kennett passed his notes to Samuel Knight who utilized them to write a biography of Colet which was published in 1724. During the nineteenth century, interest in Colet increased. Several editions of his works and an additional biography were published during that time. Scholars believed Colet strongly impacted Erasmus and the English Reformation. Later critics went on view Colet as Protestant-like, though historical revisionists believe that Colet was a reform preacher that wanted to improve the quality of the Church. Events January 14 - King Philip V of Spain abdicates the throne February 20 - The premiere of Giulio Cesare, an Italian opera by George Frideric Handel, takes place in London June 23 - Treaty of Constantinople signed. ...

Colet died in 1519. Colet died of the "sweating sickness", and was buried on the south side of the choir of St Paul's, where a stone was laid over his grave, with no other inscription than his name. Erasmus stated that Colet was a man for the ages and a true Christian. Events March 4 - Hernán Cortés lands in Mexico. ...

Lasting Effects of Colet

To this day, Colet's achievement is celebrated at St Paul's School on John Colet Day at St Paul's Cathedral. St Pauls School St Pauls School is a boys public school. ... This article is about the cathedral church of the diocese of London. ...

Colet's Convocation Sermon 1512

In the introductory paragraph, Colet concludes by stating that his presence is due to the need for the Council to consider a Church reformation. First, Colet criticizes the living style of the priests. Colet explains that the priests should set an example for others as be a beacon of light, because if they are instead figures of darkness, the Church will be engulfed by darkness. Colet cites four evils, referencing the Apostle, that constitute the corrupt, priestly living: devilish pride, carnal concupiscence, worldly covetousness, and worldly occupations. 1512 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

First, in regard to pride of life, Colet believes that priests of the day were more consumed by the honor and dignity one could receive by being a part of the priesthood. Service to the Church must be only humble service. Secondly, many priests take part in the lust for the flesh: feasting and banqueting, vain conversation, sports, plays, hunting, and hawking. They are “drowned in the delights of this world” and “patronize those who cater for their pleasure”. Thirdly, covetousness is the third worldly evil, which is also known as lust. Colet calls this a plague that has overtaken many priests and blinded many. Many take part in the Church only for the hope of riches and promotions. Priests forget that they should be interested in the good they can do more than the amount of riches that they stand to gain. Paul called covetousness the root of all evils. From it, benefices stack up, including pensions and tithes. Colet states that: “every corruption, all the ruin of the Church, all the scandals of the world, come from the covetousness of priests”. The fourth evil arises because priests have become more servants of men than servants of God. According to Paul, priests are supposed to be an intermediary between men and God. As such, warfare should only be spiritual in nature and reflective of Jesus. In addition, they need to pray, read, and meditate regarding the Scriptures. They must deliver the word of God, give the sacraments of salvation, make sacrifices for people, and hold masses for people’s souls. Look up Paul in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Many religions and spiritual movements hold certain written texts (or series of spoken legends not traditionally written down) to be sacred. ...

Colet then moves on to discuss the needed Reformation. Paul orders that people must “be reformed into a new mind”. People should turn to humility, sobriety, charity, and spiritual occupations. Reform must begin with the priests so that it can spread throughout the Church. Colet disagrees with the creation of new laws; instead he thinks that the old laws must simply be enforced. The Protestant Reformation was a movement which began in the 16th century as a series of attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church, but ended in division and the establishment of new institutions, most importantly Lutheranism, Reformed churches, and Anabaptists. ...

Colet believes several things are important: a good, pure, and holy life, approved morals, moderate knowledge of the Scriptures, knowledge of the Sacraments, the fear of God and love of the heavenly life.

Finally, Colet urges people to “return to the God of love and peace; return to Christ, in whom is the true peace of the Spirit which passeth all understanding; return to the true priestly life”. “Be ye reformed in the newness of your minds, that ye may know those things which are of God; and the peace of God shall be with you”.

Further reading

• Frederic Seebohm, The Oxford Reformers; J. H. Lupton, Life of John Colet (1887); art, in The Times, July 7, 1909.

Frederic Seebohm (1833-1912) was a British economic historian, born in Bradford. ... The Times is a national newspaper published daily in the United Kingdom since 1785, and under its current name since 1788. ...

See also

• Erasmus' Correspondents

One of the best sources for the world of European Humanism in the early 16th century is the letters of Erasmus. ...

References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain. The article is available here.

• Olin, John C. The Catholic Reformation. New York: Fordham University, 1992.

• Colet, John. The Catholic Reformation. Olin, John C., ed. New York: Fordham University, 1992.

• Arnold, Jonathan. “John Colet- Preaching and Reform at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 1505-1519.” Reformation and Renaissance Review: Journal of the Society for Reformation Studies 5, no. 2 (2003): 204-209.