John Kynton facts for kids
John Kynton (died 1536) was an English man from the 1500s. He was a Franciscan friar, which means he was part of a religious group dedicated to God. He was also a professor who taught about religion, and a leader at the University of Oxford.
Kynton became a Doctor of Divinity in 1500 at Oxford University. This was a very high degree in religious studies. He was also known as a Minorite or Friar Minor, which is another name for a Franciscan friar. From 1503 to 1513, he was chosen many times to be a Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. This role is like being a top leader or principal of the university.
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Kynton's Role as a Theologian
John Kynton was an important theologian at Oxford. A theologian is someone who studies religion and God. In 1515, he gave the main sermon at the University on Easter Sunday.
Dealing with New Religious Ideas
In 1521, Kynton was one of four experts chosen by the University to talk with Thomas Wolsey. They discussed the ideas of Martin Luther. Luther was a religious reformer whose teachings led to big changes in Christianity.
Later, King Henry VIII asked Oxford's religious experts to look closely at Luther's writings. Kynton helped with this important task. It's thought that he wrote a book called "Contra Doctrinam Mart. Lutheri" around this time. This title means "Against the Teachings of Martin Luther."
Teaching and Leadership at Oxford
Kynton was a teacher of religious studies at Magdalen College. He also held a special teaching position at Oxford University called the "Lady Margaret Professor of Theology." He was the third person to have this important job. He left this role in 1530.
In the same year, Kynton was a key member of a group of Oxford theologians. This group was asked to decide if King Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon was valid. This was a very important question at the time.
Later Life and Death
John Kynton passed away on January 20, 1536 (or possibly 1535). He was buried in the chapel of Durham College. Today, that building is part of Trinity College, Oxford.
