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Why did Jan Hus refuse to recant his views at the Council of Constance?

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Jan Hus refused to recant his views at the Council of Constance because he maintained that he would only retract his opinions if they were proven false by Holy Writ (the Bible).1

By conditioning his recantation on scriptural refutation, Hus effectively defied the authority of the council regarding matters of doctrine. Although the council urged him to recant to save his life, Hus remained steadfast in his convictions. His refusal was rooted in his commitment to the religious teachings he had championed, including those influenced by the English reformer John Wycliffe, which the council had labeled as heretical.12

Ultimately, because he would not abandon his principles, the council declared him a dangerous heretic. He was sentenced on July 6, 1415, and executed by burning at the stake.21