John Floyd (Jesuit) facts for kids

John Floyd (born in 1572, died in 1649) was an English Jesuit priest. Jesuits are a group of Catholic priests and brothers. John Floyd was known for his strong opinions and for writing books that debated religious topics. He often used different names, like Daniel à Jesu, Hermannus Loemelius, and George White, when he published his writings. He was also a good preacher and teacher.

A Life of Learning and Challenges

John Floyd was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1572. He had a brother named Henry Floyd. John went to a school run by English Jesuits in France. Later, he studied at the English College in Reims and then in Rome. On November 1, 1592, he joined the Society of Jesus, becoming a Jesuit.

In 1593, John Floyd received minor religious orders. He was sent back to the English College in Rome. There, he taught philosophy and theology, which are subjects about deep thinking and religious beliefs. He also became well-known as a preacher. By 1609, he was a fully recognized Jesuit priest.

Working in England

John Floyd spent a lot of time working as a priest in England. This was a difficult time for Catholics in England, and priests like Floyd often faced danger. In 1606, he visited another priest, Edward Oldcorne, who was in prison in Worcester. John Floyd was arrested himself and could not escape.

After being in prison for a year, he was sent out of England with many other priests. He spent four years preaching and writing books in a place called St. Omer in France. After this, he secretly returned to England. He was often caught, but he usually found ways to pay off the people who arrested him to get free.

Later Years and Death

John Floyd spent his last years in Leuven, a city in Belgium. There, he was a professor of theology, teaching about religious studies. He died suddenly in St. Omer, France, on September 15, 1649.

His Writings

John Floyd wrote many books, often using different names. His books were mostly about religious debates. He wrote to defend Catholic beliefs and to argue against the ideas of Protestants during his time.

Some of his works included:

• The Overthrow of the Protestants Pulpit-Babels (1612): This book argued against Protestant preachers.
• Purgatories Triumph over Hell (1613): This was another book where he debated religious topics.
• Synopsis Apostasiæ Marci Antonii de Dominis (1617): This work was about a religious leader who changed his beliefs. It was even translated into English.
• God and the King (1620): This book discussed loyalty to King James.
• St. Augustine's Meditations (1621): He translated this important religious text.
• A Word of Comfort (1623): This book talked about a sad event where a floor collapsed during a Catholic sermon in London, known as the Fatal Vespers.
• Of the Sacrifice of the Mass (1623): He translated this book about the Catholic Mass.
• An Answer to Francis White's Reply (1625): This was a response to another religious debate.
• A Paire of Spectacles for Sir Humphrey Linde (1631): This book was an answer to a work by Humphrey Lynde.
• The Church Conquerant over Human Wit (1638): This was a reply to a book by William Chillingworth.

John Floyd's writings show how important religious discussions were in England during the 17th century.