Sermons at court
Book Description
Step into the fascinating intersection of faith and power in early modern England, where royal court pulpits served as unexpected centers of spiritual and cultural influence. Peter E. McCullough unveils a previously overlooked dimension of religious life during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, revealing how court preachers shaped both political discourse and spiritual understanding within the highest circles of English society.
This groundbreaking exploration draws from extensive archival research spanning nearly seven decades, from 1558 to 1625, illuminating how sermons delivered before monarchs and courtiers became vehicles for expressing diverse theological perspectives within the established church. Rather than presenting a monolithic religious voice, these court pulpits gave platform to a surprisingly varied spectrum of conformist thought, challenging our assumptions about spiritual uniformity in Tudor and early Stuart England.
For contemporary readers seeking to understand how spiritual leadership operates within complex institutional frameworks, this study offers valuable insights into the delicate balance between religious conviction and political reality. McCullough demonstrates how skilled preachers navigated the intricate dynamics of court life while maintaining their spiritual integrity and theological principles.
Through meticulous historical analysis, this work reveals how religious discourse functioned as both spiritual guidance and cultural commentary, showing how faith communities have long grappled with questions of authority, conformity, and authentic spiritual expression within established power structures.
Who Is This For?
π Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
π Length: 238 pages
What You'll Discover
- β Explore Court and courtiers
- β Explore Preaching--england--history--17th century
- β Explore Hofcultuur
- β Explore Preaching, history
- β Explore Sermons--church of england--history and criticism
- β Explore Courts and courtiers
- β Explore Sermons, English
- β Explore Christianity and politics--church of england--history--16th century