Description
Book SynopsisPaul C. H. Lim offers an insightful examination of the polemical debates about the doctrine of the Trinity in seventeenth-century England, showing that this philosophical and theological re-configuration significantly impacted the politics of religion in the early modern period.Through analysis of these heated polemics, Lim shows how Trinitarian God-Talk became untenable in many ecclesiastical and philosophical circles, which led to the emergence of Unitarianism. He also demonstrates that those who continued to embrace Trinitarian doctrine articulated their piety and theological perspectives in an increasingly secularized culture of discourse. Drawing on both unexplored manuscripts and well-known treatises of Continental and English provenance, he unearths the complex layers of the polemic: from biblical exegesis to reception history of patristic authorities, from popular religious radicalism during the Civil War to Puritan spirituality, from Continental Socinians to English anti-trini
Trade Reviewthis is a very fine study * Carl Trueman, English Historical Review *
This is a well-researched book and there is good discussion of the detail. * Stephen Copson, Baptist Quarterly *
Both the breadth of Lim's research and his innovative arguments make for highly stimulating reading. This is a great contribution to our knowledge of the intellectual history of early modern England. * David S. Sytsma, Calvin Theological Journal *
Professor Paul Lim's erudite analysis of the seventeenth-century debates over the doctrine of the Holy Trinity draws on a range of primary literature that is exceptionally adequate to the purpose, and enables him to contribute significantly to the historiography of the period. * Richard Conrad , Scottish Journal of Theology *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements ; Abbreviations ; Introduction ; 1. Anti-trinitarian theology and trajectory of Paul Best and John Biddle ; 2. Antinomian and Antitrinitarian? The fate of the Trinity, c. 1640-1660 ; 3. Many weapons, one aim: pro-trinitarian reactions to John Biddle in context ; 4. Polemical and Practical? The spirituality of Cheynell and Owen in context ; 5. Bishops Behaving Badly? Hobbes, Baxter, and Marvell on the Problem of Conciliar History and the Nature of Heresy ; 6. Platonic Captivity, or Sublime Mystery? The Trinity and the Gospel of John in early modern England ; Conclusion ; Notes ; Bibliography ; Index
