Government by polemic
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into a pivotal moment in English religious history, examining how spiritual authority and political power intersected during the reign of James I. Rather than accepting conventional narratives of religious harmony, Ferrell uncovers a more complex reality by analyzing the sermons that shaped public discourse in early seventeenth-century England.
The author reveals how official religious rhetoric served strategic purposes, demonstrating that claims of moderation and balanced approaches were actually calculated moves to marginalize certain reformist voices within the Anglican Church. By focusing on the words spoken from pulpits and subsequently published by royal command, this study illuminates the sophisticated ways religious language was employed to advance particular political agendas.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual movements navigate institutional pressures, this work offers valuable insights into the relationship between authentic religious expression and political necessity. The book examines how established religious authorities used carefully crafted messaging to shape public opinion and consolidate their influence during a time of significant theological and social change.
Through meticulous analysis of primary sources, Ferrell presents a nuanced portrait of how religious discourse can both unite and divide communities. This examination of Jacobean England provides timeless lessons about the complex dynamics between spiritual conviction, institutional loyalty, and the pursuit of religious authenticity within established systems of power.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 231 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore English Sermons
- ✓ Explore Kirchenpolitik
- ✓ Explore Great britain, politics and government, 1603-1714
- ✓ Explore Church of England
- ✓ Explore Church controversies
- ✓ Explore Hofprediger
- ✓ Explore Politics and government
Topics Covered
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