Tenacious of their liberties
Book Description
This groundbreaking exploration reveals how ordinary believers and religious leaders navigated the complex world of church governance in colonial Massachusetts. James F. Cooper presents a unique dual perspective that examines Congregational church government through the experiences of both congregation members and clergy, offering fresh insights into the spiritual and political dynamics that shaped early American religious life.
Rather than viewing church governance as a source of division between laypeople and ministers, Cooper demonstrates how shared religious principles created a unified popular faith that transcended traditional hierarchies. The study illuminates pivotal moments in colonial religious history, including Anne Hutchinson's controversial teachings, the establishment of the Cambridge Platform, and the ongoing debates about spiritual decline that concerned believers of the era.
Through careful examination of lay-clerical relationships, this work reveals the sometimes noble, sometimes contentious, and often spirited nature of church politics in Puritan Massachusetts. Cooper's analysis shows how democratic participation in religious governance became a cornerstone of colonial spiritual life, with both ordinary members and ministers contributing to decisions that would influence American religious culture for generations.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual communities navigate questions of authority, participation, and shared faith, this study offers valuable insights into the practical challenges and triumphs of building inclusive religious institutions.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 282 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Congregationalisme
- ✓ Explore Massachusetts, church history
- ✓ Explore Massachusetts, history, colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- ✓ Explore Presbyterian
- ✓ Explore Government
- ✓ Explore Membership
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Kongregationalismus
