Stewart J. Brown
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199242351
- eISBN:
- 9780191697098
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199242351.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
This chapter discusses the struggles of the established churches outside Ireland. It explains that the recognition of the collapsed New Reformation in Ireland contributed to fundamental ...
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This chapter discusses the struggles of the established churches outside Ireland. It explains that the recognition of the collapsed New Reformation in Ireland contributed to fundamental constitutional changes in the United Kingdom, in which a more democratic political order was born, one in which the conformity to one of the established Churches was no longer a requirement. The chapter also shows that the strong union of the Church and State seemed to be breaking up. The established Churches could no longer count on support from the Parliament, and would now need to seek cultural support. It also discusses the efforts of Sir Robert Peel (leader of Melbourne Government) to establish a new commission for the English Church reform, made up exclusively of clergymen and lay members of the Church of England.Less
This chapter discusses the struggles of the established churches outside Ireland. It explains that the recognition of the collapsed New Reformation in Ireland contributed to fundamental constitutional changes in the United Kingdom, in which a more democratic political order was born, one in which the conformity to one of the established Churches was no longer a requirement. The chapter also shows that the strong union of the Church and State seemed to be breaking up. The established Churches could no longer count on support from the Parliament, and would now need to seek cultural support. It also discusses the efforts of Sir Robert Peel (leader of Melbourne Government) to establish a new commission for the English Church reform, made up exclusively of clergymen and lay members of the Church of England.
D. G. Hart
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195390971
- eISBN:
- 9780199777099
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195390971.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity, Church History
From 1776 until approximately 1970, American Protestant clergy and academics argued that Calvinism was crucial to their nation’s political institutions and ideals. It was common among the mainstream ...
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From 1776 until approximately 1970, American Protestant clergy and academics argued that Calvinism was crucial to their nation’s political institutions and ideals. It was common among the mainstream Presbyterian groups (termed "libertarian Calvinists") to aver that Calvinism provided the only adequate basis for the American experiment of a republic based on limited government and civil liberty. This chapter examines the contortions necessary for these arguments. Then, the chapter examines the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (termed "authoritarian Calvinists"). It holds closely to the language in the original Westminster Confession, which calls upon the state to protect and foster Christian faith. Given these differing perspectives, the chapter concludes, agreeing with Philip Benedict, that Calvinism’s importance has less to do with its contributions to political theory and more to do with its role as a religion that shapes the personal and familial identities of its adherents.Less
From 1776 until approximately 1970, American Protestant clergy and academics argued that Calvinism was crucial to their nation’s political institutions and ideals. It was common among the mainstream Presbyterian groups (termed "libertarian Calvinists") to aver that Calvinism provided the only adequate basis for the American experiment of a republic based on limited government and civil liberty. This chapter examines the contortions necessary for these arguments. Then, the chapter examines the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (termed "authoritarian Calvinists"). It holds closely to the language in the original Westminster Confession, which calls upon the state to protect and foster Christian faith. Given these differing perspectives, the chapter concludes, agreeing with Philip Benedict, that Calvinism’s importance has less to do with its contributions to political theory and more to do with its role as a religion that shapes the personal and familial identities of its adherents.
Jeremy Gregory
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208303
- eISBN:
- 9780191677977
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208303.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Early Modern History, History of Religion
This wide-ranging and original book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the Church of England in the eighteenth century. It explores the nature of the Restoration ecclesiastical ...
More
This wide-ranging and original book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the Church of England in the eighteenth century. It explores the nature of the Restoration ecclesiastical regime, the character of the clerical profession, the quality of the clergy's pastoral work, and the question of Church reform through a detailed study of the diocese of the Archbishops of Canterbury. In so doing the book covers the political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual and pastoral functions of the Church and, by adopting a broad chronological span, it allows the problems and difficulties often ascribed to the eighteenth-century Church to be viewed as emerging from the seventeenth century and as continuing well into the nineteenth century. Moreover, the author argues that some of the traditional periodisations and characterisations of conventional religious history need modification. Much of the evidence presented here indicates that clergy in the one hundred and seventy years after 1660 were preoccupied with difficulties that had concerned their forebears and would concern their successors. In many ways, clergy in the diocese of Canterbury between 1660 and 1828 continued the work of seventeenth-century clergy, particularly in following through, and in some instances instigating, the pastoral and professional aims of the Reformation, as well as participating in processes relating to Church reform, and further anticipating some of the deals of the Evangelical and Oxford Movements. Reluctance to recognise this has led historians to neglect the strengths of the Church between the Restoration and the 1830s, which, it is argued, should not be judged primarily for its failure to attain the ideals of these other movements, but as an institution possessing its own coherent and positive rationale.Less
This wide-ranging and original book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the Church of England in the eighteenth century. It explores the nature of the Restoration ecclesiastical regime, the character of the clerical profession, the quality of the clergy's pastoral work, and the question of Church reform through a detailed study of the diocese of the Archbishops of Canterbury. In so doing the book covers the political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual and pastoral functions of the Church and, by adopting a broad chronological span, it allows the problems and difficulties often ascribed to the eighteenth-century Church to be viewed as emerging from the seventeenth century and as continuing well into the nineteenth century. Moreover, the author argues that some of the traditional periodisations and characterisations of conventional religious history need modification. Much of the evidence presented here indicates that clergy in the one hundred and seventy years after 1660 were preoccupied with difficulties that had concerned their forebears and would concern their successors. In many ways, clergy in the diocese of Canterbury between 1660 and 1828 continued the work of seventeenth-century clergy, particularly in following through, and in some instances instigating, the pastoral and professional aims of the Reformation, as well as participating in processes relating to Church reform, and further anticipating some of the deals of the Evangelical and Oxford Movements. Reluctance to recognise this has led historians to neglect the strengths of the Church between the Restoration and the 1830s, which, it is argued, should not be judged primarily for its failure to attain the ideals of these other movements, but as an institution possessing its own coherent and positive rationale.
Stewart J. Brown
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199242351
- eISBN:
- 9780191697098
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199242351.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
This chapter deals with the continuing hopes and frustrations that the established Churches of Britain faced from 1841 to 1846. Sir Robert Peel, who was appointed Prime Minister, believed that there ...
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This chapter deals with the continuing hopes and frustrations that the established Churches of Britain faced from 1841 to 1846. Sir Robert Peel, who was appointed Prime Minister, believed that there were real abuses that needed reform within the established Churches. His appointment offered hope to the established Churches that they would be able to gain support from Parliament. However, Peel's appointment was accompanied by other problems, including a severe downturn in the economy that resulted from poor harvests. Because of these, Peel was pressured (to increase church accommodation and Parliament support to the established Churches) by not only the church leaders, but also the parliament. Everything led to the resignation of Peel as Prime Minister, the conversion to free trade, and disruption of the established Church of Scotland.Less
This chapter deals with the continuing hopes and frustrations that the established Churches of Britain faced from 1841 to 1846. Sir Robert Peel, who was appointed Prime Minister, believed that there were real abuses that needed reform within the established Churches. His appointment offered hope to the established Churches that they would be able to gain support from Parliament. However, Peel's appointment was accompanied by other problems, including a severe downturn in the economy that resulted from poor harvests. Because of these, Peel was pressured (to increase church accommodation and Parliament support to the established Churches) by not only the church leaders, but also the parliament. Everything led to the resignation of Peel as Prime Minister, the conversion to free trade, and disruption of the established Church of Scotland.
Jeremy Gregory
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208303
- eISBN:
- 9780191677977
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208303.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Early Modern History, History of Religion
This chapter discusses the main purpose of this book which is to supplement the arguments regarding the nature of the Church of England and its place in society between the Restoration and the reform ...
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This chapter discusses the main purpose of this book which is to supplement the arguments regarding the nature of the Church of England and its place in society between the Restoration and the reform movements of the 1830s and 1840s. It examines three major historiographical issues — the nature of the Restoration ecclesiastical regime; the character of the clerical profession and the quality of the clergy's pastoral work; and the question of Church reform. It also evaluates the quality of the clergy and their pastoral work in the late Stuart and Hanoverian period. It examines two overarching methodological assumptions to discuss the issues mentioned in this book. It also explains the reasons of this book for focusing on the diocese of Canterbury.Less
This chapter discusses the main purpose of this book which is to supplement the arguments regarding the nature of the Church of England and its place in society between the Restoration and the reform movements of the 1830s and 1840s. It examines three major historiographical issues — the nature of the Restoration ecclesiastical regime; the character of the clerical profession and the quality of the clergy's pastoral work; and the question of Church reform. It also evaluates the quality of the clergy and their pastoral work in the late Stuart and Hanoverian period. It examines two overarching methodological assumptions to discuss the issues mentioned in this book. It also explains the reasons of this book for focusing on the diocese of Canterbury.
Nigel Yates
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198270133
- eISBN:
- 9780191683916
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198270133.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History, History of Christianity
The inevitable consequence of the Reformation in those parts of Europe where reform was carried out as a matter of state policy was that the existing churches had to be adapted to new liturgical ...
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The inevitable consequence of the Reformation in those parts of Europe where reform was carried out as a matter of state policy was that the existing churches had to be adapted to new liturgical requirements. In the short term, of course, many of the clergy and congregations of the new Reformed Churches were identical to those that had worshipped in the same church buildings as Catholics. Although the new forms of service enacted by statute were observed in most churches, other aspects of liturgical change, particularly in relation to church furnishings, occurred more slowly. On the whole, it was the towns where reform was carried out most quickly, and isolated rural areas where there was the most resistance to change. In parts of Wales, Catholic practices survived until the end of the 16th century.Less
The inevitable consequence of the Reformation in those parts of Europe where reform was carried out as a matter of state policy was that the existing churches had to be adapted to new liturgical requirements. In the short term, of course, many of the clergy and congregations of the new Reformed Churches were identical to those that had worshipped in the same church buildings as Catholics. Although the new forms of service enacted by statute were observed in most churches, other aspects of liturgical change, particularly in relation to church furnishings, occurred more slowly. On the whole, it was the towns where reform was carried out most quickly, and isolated rural areas where there was the most resistance to change. In parts of Wales, Catholic practices survived until the end of the 16th century.
J. L. Price
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198203834
- eISBN:
- 9780191676000
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198203834.003.0019
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Religion affected the way in which Holland related to the other provinces in the Dutch Republic, and to the Union as a whole, during the 17th century in both positive and negative ways. As the ...
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Religion affected the way in which Holland related to the other provinces in the Dutch Republic, and to the Union as a whole, during the 17th century in both positive and negative ways. As the Republic became more firmly united in other ways in the course of the 17th century, the significance of the Reformed Church as a unifying force diminished. Protestantism in general and the Reformed Church in particular had established itself as a symbol of resistance to Spain in the course of the revolt, and carried on to be the official religion of the new state. A common religious loyalty was particularly important in the Republic given the widely differing political and economic interests of the various provinces. One aim which they all held in common was the defence of the Reformed faith, which in its turn conferred a universal purpose and significance to the war against Spain.Less
Religion affected the way in which Holland related to the other provinces in the Dutch Republic, and to the Union as a whole, during the 17th century in both positive and negative ways. As the Republic became more firmly united in other ways in the course of the 17th century, the significance of the Reformed Church as a unifying force diminished. Protestantism in general and the Reformed Church in particular had established itself as a symbol of resistance to Spain in the course of the revolt, and carried on to be the official religion of the new state. A common religious loyalty was particularly important in the Republic given the widely differing political and economic interests of the various provinces. One aim which they all held in common was the defence of the Reformed faith, which in its turn conferred a universal purpose and significance to the war against Spain.
James D. Tracy
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199209118
- eISBN:
- 9780191706134
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199209118.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Holland's Baltic trade flourished as never before, and skilled immigrants helped revive local industries. But prosperity raised a political issue: should Holland trade with provinces loyal to Spain? ...
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Holland's Baltic trade flourished as never before, and skilled immigrants helped revive local industries. But prosperity raised a political issue: should Holland trade with provinces loyal to Spain? The more Holland's leaders pushed for free trade, the more confederates in the Union of Utrecht saw them as selling out the cause to boost profits. Meanwhile, Holland upheld the public supremacy of the Reformed religion. Yet Reformed religion embraced two theologies. One, based in Geneva, required a church free of state control; the other, based in Zurich, sanctioned governance of the Church by magistrates. Most Holland clergy preferred the former view, while magistrates favored the latter. Thus several towns had major conflicts over appointment of preachers; at the provincial level, each side ignored the other's pronouncements on church governance.Less
Holland's Baltic trade flourished as never before, and skilled immigrants helped revive local industries. But prosperity raised a political issue: should Holland trade with provinces loyal to Spain? The more Holland's leaders pushed for free trade, the more confederates in the Union of Utrecht saw them as selling out the cause to boost profits. Meanwhile, Holland upheld the public supremacy of the Reformed religion. Yet Reformed religion embraced two theologies. One, based in Geneva, required a church free of state control; the other, based in Zurich, sanctioned governance of the Church by magistrates. Most Holland clergy preferred the former view, while magistrates favored the latter. Thus several towns had major conflicts over appointment of preachers; at the provincial level, each side ignored the other's pronouncements on church governance.
Arthur Burns
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198207849
- eISBN:
- 9780191677823
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198207849.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History, History of Religion
This chapter clarifies people's understanding of the dynamics of Church reform. It focuses on the aspects of the development of the cathedral and the ...
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This chapter clarifies people's understanding of the dynamics of Church reform. It focuses on the aspects of the development of the cathedral and the episcopate which indirectly contributed to, or illustrated the presence of, diocesan consciousness. It considers the contributions of the episcopate and episcopal patronage, and provides an illustration of the diocesanism of an individual prelate. It presents the interaction between the Diocesan Revival and the work of the Ecclesiastical Commission. It mentions that Cathedral reform had its own dynamics as explored by Philip Barrett.Less
This chapter clarifies people's understanding of the dynamics of Church reform. It focuses on the aspects of the development of the cathedral and the episcopate which indirectly contributed to, or illustrated the presence of, diocesan consciousness. It considers the contributions of the episcopate and episcopal patronage, and provides an illustration of the diocesanism of an individual prelate. It presents the interaction between the Diocesan Revival and the work of the Ecclesiastical Commission. It mentions that Cathedral reform had its own dynamics as explored by Philip Barrett.
J. L. Price
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198203834
- eISBN:
- 9780191676000
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198203834.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Of all the factors affecting the way in which politics operated in Holland in the 17th century, the religious environment, if not necessarily the most important, is perhaps the one that is most ...
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Of all the factors affecting the way in which politics operated in Holland in the 17th century, the religious environment, if not necessarily the most important, is perhaps the one that is most difficult to evaluate and to understand. It is a truism to say that religion and politics could not be separated in 17th-century Europe, but one of the most interesting aspects of the history of Holland during this century is the extent to which a significant change in this respect was already becoming apparent. In short, the process of secularisation was beginning, but within an overall situation in which the influence of religion was still strong. It is not enough to look merely at the Reformed Church, for the religious diversity and relatively high degree of toleration that existed within the province were just as important in their political ramifications, though perhaps in less obvious ways.Less
Of all the factors affecting the way in which politics operated in Holland in the 17th century, the religious environment, if not necessarily the most important, is perhaps the one that is most difficult to evaluate and to understand. It is a truism to say that religion and politics could not be separated in 17th-century Europe, but one of the most interesting aspects of the history of Holland during this century is the extent to which a significant change in this respect was already becoming apparent. In short, the process of secularisation was beginning, but within an overall situation in which the influence of religion was still strong. It is not enough to look merely at the Reformed Church, for the religious diversity and relatively high degree of toleration that existed within the province were just as important in their political ramifications, though perhaps in less obvious ways.
Nigel Yates
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198270133
- eISBN:
- 9780191683916
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198270133.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History, History of Christianity
During the first half of the 17th century the conflict over the altar position had dominated Anglican liturgical concerns. It had been generally accepted firstly that churches should in effect be two ...
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During the first half of the 17th century the conflict over the altar position had dominated Anglican liturgical concerns. It had been generally accepted firstly that churches should in effect be two separate rooms with the chancel for the sacrament and the nave for preaching, and secondly that in the nave pulpit and reading-desk should be placed at the east end with the seats facing eastwards. These arrangements, however, were in very many churches inconvenient in practice, since the liturgical action was not clearly visible from all parts of the building, and after 1660 a number of experiments were introduced, mostly borrowing from the experience of other Reformed Churches, to create more practical liturgical arrangements. The radical experiments of the late 17th to the early 19th centuries can broadly be grouped into four main categories: the north-south rectangle, the east-west rectangle, the T-plan, and most radical of all, the circular, elliptical, or octagonal church.Less
During the first half of the 17th century the conflict over the altar position had dominated Anglican liturgical concerns. It had been generally accepted firstly that churches should in effect be two separate rooms with the chancel for the sacrament and the nave for preaching, and secondly that in the nave pulpit and reading-desk should be placed at the east end with the seats facing eastwards. These arrangements, however, were in very many churches inconvenient in practice, since the liturgical action was not clearly visible from all parts of the building, and after 1660 a number of experiments were introduced, mostly borrowing from the experience of other Reformed Churches, to create more practical liturgical arrangements. The radical experiments of the late 17th to the early 19th centuries can broadly be grouped into four main categories: the north-south rectangle, the east-west rectangle, the T-plan, and most radical of all, the circular, elliptical, or octagonal church.
James D. Tracy
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199209118
- eISBN:
- 9780191706134
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199209118.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
In Flanders and Brabant, guilds had a share in urban government. Holland's cities were ruled by self‐perpetuating town councils. Whether brought to power by Orange, or merely adapting to new ...
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In Flanders and Brabant, guilds had a share in urban government. Holland's cities were ruled by self‐perpetuating town councils. Whether brought to power by Orange, or merely adapting to new conditions, these magistrates secured their authority against challenges arising from the unsettled circumstances. The clergy of the Dutch Reformed Church, granted a monopoly on the public exercise of religion, had to accept supervision by the magistrates. Villages, no matter how large, could not claim the privileges of towns. Civic militia companies, though vital to the initial success of the Revolt, would not have a voice in civic affairs. The prince of Orange must be obeyed as commander in chief, but his writ did not run to matters of finance. Even the authority of the Lords States was limited: if a new tax was proposed, no town could be made to pay against its will.Less
In Flanders and Brabant, guilds had a share in urban government. Holland's cities were ruled by self‐perpetuating town councils. Whether brought to power by Orange, or merely adapting to new conditions, these magistrates secured their authority against challenges arising from the unsettled circumstances. The clergy of the Dutch Reformed Church, granted a monopoly on the public exercise of religion, had to accept supervision by the magistrates. Villages, no matter how large, could not claim the privileges of towns. Civic militia companies, though vital to the initial success of the Revolt, would not have a voice in civic affairs. The prince of Orange must be obeyed as commander in chief, but his writ did not run to matters of finance. Even the authority of the Lords States was limited: if a new tax was proposed, no town could be made to pay against its will.
J. L. Price
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198203834
- eISBN:
- 9780191676000
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198203834.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Religion in general, and the Reformed Church in particular, played an important role in the politics of the towns of Holland, not only in the first decades of the 17th century, when the clash between ...
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Religion in general, and the Reformed Church in particular, played an important role in the politics of the towns of Holland, not only in the first decades of the 17th century, when the clash between remonstrants and contraremonstrants was a dominant issue, but throughout the rest of the century. The Reformed Church had a peculiar position in the political life of the Dutch state because it functioned as one of the few unifying symbols which the decentralised and heterogeneous Dutch Republic possessed. As the official church it had a political significance which the other churches and sects lacked: while membership of the church or attendance at its services was not imposed on the inhabitants of the country at large, it was nevertheless in an important sense the state church and all holders of public office at every level were supposed to be members.Less
Religion in general, and the Reformed Church in particular, played an important role in the politics of the towns of Holland, not only in the first decades of the 17th century, when the clash between remonstrants and contraremonstrants was a dominant issue, but throughout the rest of the century. The Reformed Church had a peculiar position in the political life of the Dutch state because it functioned as one of the few unifying symbols which the decentralised and heterogeneous Dutch Republic possessed. As the official church it had a political significance which the other churches and sects lacked: while membership of the church or attendance at its services was not imposed on the inhabitants of the country at large, it was nevertheless in an important sense the state church and all holders of public office at every level were supposed to be members.
Benjamin J. Kaplan
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198202837
- eISBN:
- 9780191675546
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198202837.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter takes a step back and examines the place of the Reformed church and of other churches within Utrecht's complex social environment. After all, like other Dutch cities, Utrecht was ...
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This chapter takes a step back and examines the place of the Reformed church and of other churches within Utrecht's complex social environment. After all, like other Dutch cities, Utrecht was multiconfessional. Its inhabitants included not only Calvinists and Libertines, but also Catholics, Lutherans, and Mennonites. Compared with the ongoing conflicts within Dutch Reformed Protestantism, relations between these different confessional groups were excellent. Even the basic hostility between Protestants and Catholics, which fuelled riots and wars in France and the Holy Roman Empire, was contained in such a way that it did not threaten the peace or even generate deep social divisions. From contemporary foreigners to modem historians, observers have marvelled at the toleration that prevailed within the Dutch Republic. The chapter addresses the following questions: How did this toleration work in practice? What were its cultural sources? What attitudes and social mechanisms enabled Utrechters of different ecclesiastic affiliations not only to coexist but to co-operate?Less
This chapter takes a step back and examines the place of the Reformed church and of other churches within Utrecht's complex social environment. After all, like other Dutch cities, Utrecht was multiconfessional. Its inhabitants included not only Calvinists and Libertines, but also Catholics, Lutherans, and Mennonites. Compared with the ongoing conflicts within Dutch Reformed Protestantism, relations between these different confessional groups were excellent. Even the basic hostility between Protestants and Catholics, which fuelled riots and wars in France and the Holy Roman Empire, was contained in such a way that it did not threaten the peace or even generate deep social divisions. From contemporary foreigners to modem historians, observers have marvelled at the toleration that prevailed within the Dutch Republic. The chapter addresses the following questions: How did this toleration work in practice? What were its cultural sources? What attitudes and social mechanisms enabled Utrechters of different ecclesiastic affiliations not only to coexist but to co-operate?
Susan James
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199698127
- eISBN:
- 9780191740558
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199698127.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter explains Spinoza's reasons for writing and publishing the Treatise. His central goal is, as he says, to establish that the freedom to philosophize is compatible with the peace and piety ...
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This chapter explains Spinoza's reasons for writing and publishing the Treatise. His central goal is, as he says, to establish that the freedom to philosophize is compatible with the peace and piety of the republic, and to show that, without this freedom, peace and piety cannot be maintained. An understanding of these insights is currently blocked by superstitious forms of religion, which rely on misinterpretations of the Bible to subordinate philosophy to theology, and condemn philosophizing as politically dangerous. The Treatise will uncover the errors and suspect motivations on which these claims are based. Spinoza begins by setting out the traditional conception of superstition (espoused by Plutarch and Bacon among others) that he will discredit, and implicitly accuses the Dutch Reformed Church of upholding it. By explaining what it is directed against, he sets the stage for his own argument.Less
This chapter explains Spinoza's reasons for writing and publishing the Treatise. His central goal is, as he says, to establish that the freedom to philosophize is compatible with the peace and piety of the republic, and to show that, without this freedom, peace and piety cannot be maintained. An understanding of these insights is currently blocked by superstitious forms of religion, which rely on misinterpretations of the Bible to subordinate philosophy to theology, and condemn philosophizing as politically dangerous. The Treatise will uncover the errors and suspect motivations on which these claims are based. Spinoza begins by setting out the traditional conception of superstition (espoused by Plutarch and Bacon among others) that he will discredit, and implicitly accuses the Dutch Reformed Church of upholding it. By explaining what it is directed against, he sets the stage for his own argument.
Benjamin J. Kaplan
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198202837
- eISBN:
- 9780191675546
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198202837.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
This chapter continues the narrative from 1590 to 1610. By the last date, Utrecht's Reformed church had finally abandoned Libertinism and adopted a moderate Calvinism. The question here is why the ...
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This chapter continues the narrative from 1590 to 1610. By the last date, Utrecht's Reformed church had finally abandoned Libertinism and adopted a moderate Calvinism. The question here is why the Libertines' initial programme failed — why in the long run Libertinism proved not to be a viable basis for organizing religious life within the Dutch Reformed Church.Less
This chapter continues the narrative from 1590 to 1610. By the last date, Utrecht's Reformed church had finally abandoned Libertinism and adopted a moderate Calvinism. The question here is why the Libertines' initial programme failed — why in the long run Libertinism proved not to be a viable basis for organizing religious life within the Dutch Reformed Church.
G. M. Hamburg
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780300113136
- eISBN:
- 9780300224191
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300113136.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, Russian and Former Soviet Union History
This chapter examines the debate over Church–state relations in Muscovy in the late seventeenth century. It first considers some of the key figures in the early stages of the Church reform, including ...
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This chapter examines the debate over Church–state relations in Muscovy in the late seventeenth century. It first considers some of the key figures in the early stages of the Church reform, including the Archpriest Stefan Vonifat’ev and the Patriarch Nikon. In particular, it looks at Nikon’s attempt to raise the Russian Orthodox Church’s status vis-à-vis the state, along with his theoretical discussion of the relative powers of the patriarch and the tsar. It then turns to the archpriest Avvakum Petrovich and the so-called Old Believers, focusing on the development of his thinking about politics and his opposition to the Church reforms. It also explores Simeon Polotskii’s “Scholastic” approach to politics before discussing Sil’vestr Medvedev’s views of the transubstantiation controversy and his version of religious enlightenment as well as his tragic life. The chapter concludes with an analysis of faith and politics in the age of Peter the Great.Less
This chapter examines the debate over Church–state relations in Muscovy in the late seventeenth century. It first considers some of the key figures in the early stages of the Church reform, including the Archpriest Stefan Vonifat’ev and the Patriarch Nikon. In particular, it looks at Nikon’s attempt to raise the Russian Orthodox Church’s status vis-à-vis the state, along with his theoretical discussion of the relative powers of the patriarch and the tsar. It then turns to the archpriest Avvakum Petrovich and the so-called Old Believers, focusing on the development of his thinking about politics and his opposition to the Church reforms. It also explores Simeon Polotskii’s “Scholastic” approach to politics before discussing Sil’vestr Medvedev’s views of the transubstantiation controversy and his version of religious enlightenment as well as his tragic life. The chapter concludes with an analysis of faith and politics in the age of Peter the Great.
Susan James
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199698127
- eISBN:
- 9780191740558
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199698127.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Spinoza now sets out to explicate the religious doctrine taught by Scripture and to reinforce his claim that it does not threaten the division between theology and philosophy or challenge the freedom ...
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Spinoza now sets out to explicate the religious doctrine taught by Scripture and to reinforce his claim that it does not threaten the division between theology and philosophy or challenge the freedom to philosophize. Following a line of ecumenically inclined writers (Arminians, Socininans and Mennonites among them), the Treatise advocates a minimal theology. All that the Bible teaches is that we must love our neighbours by treating them justly and charitably. Biblical doctrine is thus compatible with religious pluralism and does not pronounce on philosophical matters. This chapter examines Spinoza's nuanced defence of this position. It explores the affective basis of his account of a truly religious life, identifies the distinctive role that he allots to tenets of faith, and traces the challenges he mounts to the theology of the Dutch Reformed Church.Less
Spinoza now sets out to explicate the religious doctrine taught by Scripture and to reinforce his claim that it does not threaten the division between theology and philosophy or challenge the freedom to philosophize. Following a line of ecumenically inclined writers (Arminians, Socininans and Mennonites among them), the Treatise advocates a minimal theology. All that the Bible teaches is that we must love our neighbours by treating them justly and charitably. Biblical doctrine is thus compatible with religious pluralism and does not pronounce on philosophical matters. This chapter examines Spinoza's nuanced defence of this position. It explores the affective basis of his account of a truly religious life, identifies the distinctive role that he allots to tenets of faith, and traces the challenges he mounts to the theology of the Dutch Reformed Church.
J. L. Price
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198203834
- eISBN:
- 9780191676000
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198203834.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Another circumstance which affected the atmosphere in which politics took place in the towns of Holland in the 17th century was the existence of significant groups of people who were outside the ...
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Another circumstance which affected the atmosphere in which politics took place in the towns of Holland in the 17th century was the existence of significant groups of people who were outside the ranks of the official church. In principle, of course, Protestants who were not members of the Reformed Church had no role in the political life of their town, and the Catholics would have been banned even more definitively if this had been possible. In practice matters were not always as clear cut as this suggests: Catholics or quasi-Catholics may have remained in the governments of some towns in Holland into the second or third decades of the century, and the more respectable dissenting protestant groups had sympathisers, if not open adherents, among the regent elite for much of the century.Less
Another circumstance which affected the atmosphere in which politics took place in the towns of Holland in the 17th century was the existence of significant groups of people who were outside the ranks of the official church. In principle, of course, Protestants who were not members of the Reformed Church had no role in the political life of their town, and the Catholics would have been banned even more definitively if this had been possible. In practice matters were not always as clear cut as this suggests: Catholics or quasi-Catholics may have remained in the governments of some towns in Holland into the second or third decades of the century, and the more respectable dissenting protestant groups had sympathisers, if not open adherents, among the regent elite for much of the century.
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804759878
- eISBN:
- 9780804776936
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804759878.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Early Modern History
This chapter utilizes a bivariate analysis to evaluate whether there was any link between the main variables of social status and popular participation in presbyterian government. English ...
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This chapter utilizes a bivariate analysis to evaluate whether there was any link between the main variables of social status and popular participation in presbyterian government. English Presbyterianism could cover a wider social range than hitherto realized. The membership of the English Reformed Church in Amsterdam is then addressed. Distribution of alms has probably led to the growth of the Church among poorer members. While certain poorer members such as Thomas Adams may have objected to the intervention of the Dutch classis in their criticism of Paget, others were prepared to “tell the church” by appealing to the classis against the consistory's judgment. It is noted that public offense did not always involve public confession in the English Reformed Church. Poorer men and women have objected to and worked within the ambiguities between private and public boundaries as defined by the consistory.Less
This chapter utilizes a bivariate analysis to evaluate whether there was any link between the main variables of social status and popular participation in presbyterian government. English Presbyterianism could cover a wider social range than hitherto realized. The membership of the English Reformed Church in Amsterdam is then addressed. Distribution of alms has probably led to the growth of the Church among poorer members. While certain poorer members such as Thomas Adams may have objected to the intervention of the Dutch classis in their criticism of Paget, others were prepared to “tell the church” by appealing to the classis against the consistory's judgment. It is noted that public offense did not always involve public confession in the English Reformed Church. Poorer men and women have objected to and worked within the ambiguities between private and public boundaries as defined by the consistory.
