John Ponet
John Ponet was a prominent sixteenth-century English clergyman known for his scholarly contributions and involvement in the religious controversies of his time. He earned his bachelor's degree from Queen's College, Cambridge, in 1532, later becoming a fellow and lecturer due to his expertise in various fields, including theology and literature. Pont became a priest in the Lutheran church in 1536 and subsequently held several significant positions, including bursar and dean at Queen's College. His career flourished under the reign of King Henry VIII, leading to his appointment as canon of Canterbury Cathedral in 1546 and later as bishop of Winchester in 1550.
Ponet was known for his vocal support of Protestant reforms, publishing works such as *A Defence for Mariage of Priestes* and *A Short Catechism* in 1553. However, his fortunes changed with the ascension of Queen Mary I, a Catholic, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent flight to Strasbourg. While in exile, he authored notable works criticizing the Catholic Church and defending Protestant ideas, including *A Shorte Treatise of Politike Power*. John Ponet died on August 1, 1556, with his writings continuing to influence religious thought and debate in the following years.
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John Ponet
Writer
- Born: c. 1516
- Birthplace: Kent, England
- Died: August 1, 1556
Biography
John Ponet was a sixteenth century English clergyman. Little is known of his early life. In 1532, Ponet received his bachelor’s degree from Queen’s College in Cambridge, where he then became a fellow. While at Queen’s College, Ponet developed a reputation as a learned scholar, excelling in theology, linguistics, mathematics, astronomy, and literature. In 1535, Ponet became a lecturer for Queen’s College and received his master’s degree. The following year he was ordained as a priest in the Lutheran church. Following his ordination, Ponet was bursar of Queen’s College for two years, and then served as dean for a year. His career gained him the attention of many influential people, including King Henry VIII. However, in the 1540’s Ponet’s ideals were attacked by the chancellor of Cambridge. The scandal caused Ponet to disappear from public life until 1546, when he was named canon of Canterbury Cathedral.
In 1547, Ponet was made a doctor of divinity and became the chaplain of Thomas Cranmer, a powerful religious figure in England at the time. Ponet spent much of his time doing research for Cranmer and providing sources for Cranmer’s Eucharistic writings. Ponet released the first of his own writings in 1549, A Defence for Mariage of Priestes, which met with controversy. Cranmer then sent Ponet to court to preach before the king, and Ponet gained notoriety for his sermons. In 1550, Ponet was appointed bishop of Winchester. In 1553, Ponet published Catechismus breuis christianae disciplinae summam continens, omnibus ludimagistris authoritate regia commendatus (A Short Catechism, 1553).
King Edward VI died in 1553, and Ponet found himself imprisoned when Queen Mary I, a Catholic, took over the throne. Upon his release, Ponet joined a revolt against the crown. The revolt failed, and Ponet fled to Strasbourg, Germany, where he settled permanently and gained citizenship. During his time in Strasbourg, Ponet published his most notable works, A Shorte Treatise of Politike Power (1556), a diatribe against Queen Mary, and An Apologie Fully Aunsweringe. . . a Blasphemose Book (1556). A Shorte Treatise of Politike Power was written under the pseudonym D. I. P. B. R.W., with the initials standing for Doctor John Ponet, bishop of Rochester and Winchester. Ponet died on August 1, 1556. His book Diallacticon was published posthumously in 1557.