CLICHTOVE, Josse. - Humanist and theologian, born in Newport in 1472 or 1473, died in Chartres on 22 September 1542. From the beginning of the 16th century, he ranked among the most renowned doctors of Paris. In close contact with Le Fèvre d'Étaples, his teacher, and with the French humanist circles, he shared their ideas and promoted their aims of reforming sacred sciences and Christian life.
The publication of his *Ehedeiorum* in 1516 aroused the opposition of the Sorbonne against him and embroiled him for four years in the controversies between the Sorbonne and the first French reformers. The doubt of having fallen into error — by then Luther had been condemned — and the fear of being implicated in the condemnation hanging over Le Fèvre d'Étaples led him to reject his innovative principles and to side with the Sorbonne. After 1520, he devoted all his activity to polemics against the Lutherans and to combating innovators in France. From 1527, he retired to Chartres as theological canon, and still played a significant role in the celebration of the Synod of Sens, held in Paris by Cardinal Duprat in 1528.
Clichtove was one of the most prolific writers of his time. The character of his works varies according to the different phases of his life. He first published a good number of classical treatises, predominantly rhetorical and philosophical in content; then a large series of patristic and exegetical writings issued with the intent of seeking a renewal of traditional theology; followed by his disputes with the Sorbonne (1516–20), and, most notably, his anti-Lutheran writings. In addition, a substantial output of moral, ascetic, liturgical, and exegetical pamphlets extends throughout his life. Though not one of the greatest figures of the 16th century, he remains significant because his work comprehensively summarizes and reflects all the spiritual currents of his time.