The Invisibility of the Soul and the Rhetoric of Dissent: Conscience and the Wycliffite Heresy

Abstract This essay argues that the use of conscience as a justification for dissent has an even longer history than often been assumed by intellectual historians Reformation. Through close examination English Wycliffite Sermons ( c. 1380s–1390s) and Testimony William Thorpe (1407), it offers first extended consideration word “conscience” in texts, using this point departure assessment Lollard characterisations human interiority more generally. writers repeatedly emphasise opacity inner life its consequent authority, rhetorical tendency inherited adapted from Wyclif’s own writings other Latinate discourses. not only provides Lollards with helpful strategy their attempts to avoid prosecution heresy, but also somewhat shaky ground upon which number doctrinal convictions rest—especially those pertaining oral confession membership Church. Conscience obvious connection between religious political rebellion, is why must be central any future account Lollardy’s relationship class struggle or sedition generally conceived. When like refer soul invisible, God judge, they invoke fundamental, if unstable, aspect belief: incipient dynamic individual conscience, interiority, authority was find greater expression figures such Martin Luther, Jan Huss, Henry VIII.