Latitudinarians and the Church of England, 1660-1700, The
Book Description
W. M. Spellman invites readers into a fascinating exploration of spiritual moderation and religious wisdom during one of England's most turbulent periods. This scholarly work examines the Latitudinarians, a group of Anglican divines who navigated the complex religious landscape of Restoration England from 1660 to 1700 with remarkable theological balance.
These moderate churchmen earned their name from critics who viewed their willingness to adapt to political and religious changes as excessive flexibility. However, Spellman reveals a more nuanced picture of spiritual leaders who sought to create a comprehensive and reasonable faith in the aftermath of civil war and sectarian violence. Rather than abandoning orthodox Christian principles, these divines maintained traditional positions on fundamental questions of human nature, original sin, divine grace, and moral reform.
The author challenges common assumptions about the Latitudinarians' relationship to later Deist movements, demonstrating how their theological positions remained firmly within Anglican orthodoxy. Through careful analysis of their views on reason, providence, and salvation, Spellman shows how these spiritual leaders sought to rebuild religious unity without compromising essential Christian truths.
This work offers valuable insights for anyone interested in how faith communities navigate periods of upheaval while maintaining their spiritual integrity. It illuminates the delicate balance between theological flexibility and doctrinal faithfulness that continues to challenge religious communities today.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 228 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Geschichte (1660-1700)
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Church of England
- ✓ Explore Anglican Communion
- ✓ Explore Latitudinarismus
- ✓ Explore Latitudinarianism (Church of England)
- ✓ Explore Anglikanische Kirche
- ✓ Explore History
