The Bible and Reason is organized around actual topics of theological controversy from 1660 to 1700: what it means to say that Scripture is true, how Scripture and polity are related, how to conceive the canon of the Scripture, and how to understand challenges to the rational theology in question. Based on the writings of John Tillotson, Edward Stillingfleet, Isaac Barrow, and Robert South, Gerard Reedy's book integrates their theories with the ideas and practices of John Dryden, John Locke, Edward Hyde, the earl of Clarendon, and other contemporary writers and contrasts this traditional scriptural interpretation with the new rationalism of Thomas Hobbes, Spinoza, John Toland, and Richard Simon.

In contrast with the Puritan tradition, the Anglican establishment sponsored Scripture reading based not on the Inner Light, but on a public verification of interpretation, a "rational" method seen in the several proofs Anglicans proposed for the truth of Scripture, in their responses to some assessments of the integrity of Scripture, and in their argument with anti-Trinitarians.

The Bible and Reason is of interest to scholars in seventeenth-century English literature and philosophy, historians of the Bible and modern religion, and researchers in intellectual history.

Write a review

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account