Jan Hus was a peasant man born in the Czech Republic almost 600 years ago. He was admired by his countrymen but vastly unknown to those outside of his homeland. He studied to become a priest in Prague but later came to struggle with the stance of the Catholic Church on a myriad of issues.

Europe was in turmoil. The Black Death plague swept the nation, and the church was corrupt. Priests extorted money from the people and were appointed not for their skill, but for their wealth. During Hus’s lifetime, Europe was divided between three popes, causing confusion among both the people and the religious hierarchy.

Hus was troubled with the corruption and lack of leadership he saw within the church and came to defy the authorities of his day at much risk to his life. His stance against the church was not well received, when he began to seek truth solely from the Word of God and not from man, regardless of his religious stature. He was tried, sentenced to a lifetime of exile and left with a tattered reputation.

Jan Hus was a brave and bold man who, in many ways, lived and died with little recognition for his courage. Time has been kinder to Hus, as hundreds of years later scholars have debated his journey of faith. Even Pope John Paul II later publicly apologized for the church’s role in opposing and persecuting Jan Hus. This film is a unique look into the life of one man who chose to stand firm for his passion and beliefs regardless of personal cost. His story is an inspiration from the pages of time, which speaks to those today who may wonder if what they believe is worth defending. We are pleased to approve the film with Dove Faith Friendly Seal for viewers of all ages.