CLICHTOVE, JOSSE. — Humanist and theologian, b. at Newport in 1472 or 1473, d. at Chartres on 22 Sept. 1542. From the beginning of the 16th century he was numbered among the most renowned doctors of Paris. He was closely associated with Le Fèvre d'Étaples, his teacher, and with French humanist circles; he shared their ideas and supported their aims of reforming the sacred sciences and Christian life.
The publication of his Elucidatorium in 1516 provoked the opposition of the Sorbonne and involved him for four years in the controversies between the Sorbonne and the first French reformers. The doubt that he might have fallen into error—the condemnation of Luther had meanwhile taken place—and the fear of being implicated in the condemnation threatening Le Fèvre d'Étaples led him to reject his innovative principles and draw closer to the Sorbonne. In the years after 1520 he devoted all his activity to polemic against the Lutherans and to action against the innovators in France. From 1527 he withdrew to Chartres, holding the office of canon theologian, and he still played a significant role in the celebration of the Synod of Sens, convened in Paris by Cardinal Duprat in 1528. C. was one of the most prolific writers of his time. The character of his works varies according to the different periods of his life. He first published a considerable number of classical treatises, predominantly rhetorical and philosophical in content; then a large series of patristic and exegetical writings, issued with the aim of seeking a renewal of traditional theology; these were followed by the debates with the Sorbonne (1516–20), and, more famous than all the others, the anti-Lutheran writings. In addition, a broad production of moral, ascetic, liturgical, and exegetical opuscula extends throughout his life. C. is not one of the greatest men of the 16th century; nevertheless, he is of interest because his work comprehensively summarizes and reflects all the spiritual currents of his time.