Colet, John (1467?-1519), was an English scholar, teacher, and Christian priest who influenced the revival of learning and the Reformation of the church in England. Colet was also a founder of the modern approach to Biblical studies.
Colet studied at Oxford University in England, and afterward in Paris and Italy. Later, he applied principles of secular (nonreligious) scholarship to sacred texts, particularly to the Epistles of Saint Paul. In his lectures and writings, he interpreted Paul’s letters as historical documents written by a man trying to teach Christianity to a non-Christian world. This idea went against the traditional view that all sacred texts were divine statements.
As a priest, Colet preached against the worldliness of the clergy and the church courts. He also opposed other abuses in the church, including the worship of religious relics. Colet’s radical views caused some people to suspect him of heresy—that is, beliefs not accepted by the church.
Colet was born in London. He was the son of a wealthy merchant. In 1505, he became dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. In 1509, he founded St. Paul’s School, also in London.
