A boke made by John Fryth, prysoner in the Tower of London
answerynge unto M. Mores letter, which he wrote agaynst the fyrste lytle treatyse that John Fryth made, concernynge the sacramente of the body and bloude of Christ
"A boke made by John Fryth, prysoner in the Tower of London" by John Frith is a theological treatise written in the early 16th century. The book presents Fryth's argument in response to Sir Thomas More's critique of his earlier views on the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. It engages deeply with issues of faith, belief, and interpretation of scripture, particularly regarding the nature of the Eucharist and the spiritual versus the literal understanding of Christ's words. The opening of this work introduces John Fryth's situation as a prisoner facing execution due to his reformist beliefs. He recounts a conversation with a fellow Christian about the sacrament, which leads him to articulate his theological perspective. Fryth emphasizes the importance of spiritual understanding over literal interpretation, arguing that genuine faith and the essence of Christ’s sacrifice are more crucial than the physical aspects of the Eucharist. He sets the stage for a rigorous defense of his viewpoints against More's traditionalist stance, indicating that the book will address misconceptions surrounding the sacrament and establish a framework for understanding the relationship between faith and the corporeal rituals of Christianity.