prism of piety, The
Book Description
In "The Prism of Piety," John Corrigan presents a fascinating exploration of how Enlightenment thinking unexpectedly strengthened rather than weakened religious faith in early eighteenth-century New England. This scholarly work challenges conventional wisdom about the relationship between reason and spirituality during America's formative period.
Corrigan examines the writings of influential Boston ministers including Benjamin Colman, Nathaniel Appleton, and Thomas Foxcroft, revealing how these religious leaders embraced Enlightenment philosophy as a powerful tool for spiritual renewal. Rather than viewing rational thought as threatening to faith, these ministers discovered that intellectual inquiry could actually deepen their congregational communities and counter prevailing pessimistic worldviews.
The book demonstrates how these "catholick" congregationalists used Enlightenment principles to foster greater trust in religious community and combat the notion that the world was inherently corrupt and dangerous. Through careful analysis of their theological writings, Corrigan shows how these ministers created a synthesis between reason and faith that revitalized their congregations.
For readers interested in understanding how intellectual and spiritual growth can complement each other, this work offers valuable insights into a pivotal moment when American religious thought was being shaped. It reveals how embracing new ways of thinking, rather than threatening established beliefs, can actually strengthen and renew spiritual communities.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 197 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Siecle des lumieres
- ✓ Explore Reformed church, doctrines
- ✓ Explore Reformed Church
- ✓ Explore Eglise reformee
- ✓ Explore Congregational churches
- ✓ Explore Liberalisme (Religion)
- ✓ Explore Aufkla˜rung
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
