John Gibbons (Jesuit) facts for kids
John Gibbons (born 1544 – died 1589) was an English Jesuit priest and writer. Jesuits are members of a Catholic religious group called the Society of Jesus. Gibbons was known for his writings and debates about religious topics.
Early Life and Education
John Gibbons was born in 1544, near a town called Wells, Somerset, in England. His younger brother, Richard Gibbons, also became a Jesuit.
In 1561, John Gibbons started studying at Lincoln College, Oxford, but he left before finishing his degree. He then moved to Rome, Italy, where he studied for seven years at the German College. He focused on philosophy (the study of knowledge and existence) and theology (the study of religion). In 1576, he earned special degrees called doctorates in both subjects. After this, he became a Catholic priest.
Life as a Jesuit
Pope Gregory XIII, the leader of the Catholic Church, gave John Gibbons a special job as a canon in the cathedral of Cologne, Germany. This church was located in Bonn at the time. Gibbons left this job in 1578 to join the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in Trier, Germany.
At the Jesuit college in Trier, Gibbons held many important roles. He was a confessor (someone who hears confessions), a professor teaching about religion and the Bible, a leader of studies, and eventually the rector (the head of the college). He became well-known for his strong debating skills. He often had discussions and arguments with Lutheran theologians (religious scholars) in Germany.
John Gibbons died on either August 16 or December 3, 1589. He passed away while visiting Himmerod Abbey, a monastery near Trier.
His Writings
John Gibbons wrote several important books. One of his well-known works was called "Concertatio Ecclesiæ Catholicæ in Anglica, adversus Calvino-Papistas et Puritanos." This book, published in 1583, discussed the Catholic Church's views against certain Protestant groups in England. It was later re-published and expanded by Dr. John Bridgewater.
Another book by Gibbons was "Confutatio virulentæ disputationis theologicæ." This work, published after his death in 1589, responded to arguments made by a professor named Georg Sohn. Sohn had claimed that the Pope was the Antichrist, and Gibbons's book defended the papacy (the office of the Pope).
