The early Christian church with heroes like Waldenses, Wycliffe, Huss,Jerome and countless others suffered at the hands of the Church of Rome in similar ways to the WBTS aside from burnings ! A reent quote" they were accused of heresy, every thing heretical including writings or persons Rome sought to destroy,expressions of doubt or questions as to the authority of papal dopgma was enough to forfeit property position and even life whatever your status. Rome endeavoured to destroy every record oif her cruelty toward dissenters. Books and writings were consigned to the flames to be caught reading such literature could lead to excommun ication or worse.! Sounds familiar ?
The Church o0f Rome sought throuhout the middle ages to control the consiences of men. Johyn Huss postulated that Christ was all mens Mediator not the RC church who argued they were mans infallible guide ! Interesting to compare how the Roman Church became so rich exploiting people, free work on their farms and monasteries etc. Then land was sold for significant sums.The understanding of scripture was seen the preogative of Rome. If alive today I wopnder how these humble men would view the WTBS. Their lives were simple with only faith as their currency.
Would the term heretic be more fitting than apostate in view of the heroic nature of these men ?