Sin and society in the seventeenth century
Book Description
Drawing from over 10,000 ecclesiastical court cases spanning the seventeenth century, this scholarly exploration reveals the complex interplay between spiritual ideals and human reality in Stuart England. John Addy meticulously examines records from the diocese of Chester to uncover how ordinary people navigated moral expectations within their religious community.
The book illuminates the tension between prescribed spiritual conduct and actual human behavior through detailed analysis of moral infractions including adultery, public drunkenness, and disruptions during worship. These court records provide a unique window into how both clergy and laypeople struggled with ethical standards in their daily lives.
Rather than simply cataloging transgressions, this study reveals the Church's methods for maintaining moral order and the community's response to religious authority. The cases demonstrate how spiritual institutions attempted to shape behavior while individuals grappled with personal failings and social pressures.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual communities have historically balanced compassion with accountability, this work offers valuable insights into the human dimension of religious life. The extensive documentation shows how moral guidance was implemented practically, revealing both the challenges and possibilities of living according to spiritual principles.
This comprehensive examination provides perspective on the eternal struggle between spiritual aspiration and human limitation, offering lessons relevant to anyone seeking to understand the relationship between personal conduct and community values.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 388 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Bx5107.c5 a4 1989
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Diözese Chester Consistory Court
- ✓ Explore Agoraphobia
- ✓ Explore Great britain, church history, 17th century
- ✓ Explore Sittliches Verhalten
- ✓ Explore Great britain, moral conditions
