Description

The English Reformation upended not merely the spiritual and ecclesiastical order of the British Isles, but also the political and social order in which it was embedded. Too often, however, these two aspects of the English Reformation have been treated in isolation, or even pitted against each other, but such a dichotomy completely misunderstands both the theological and political context of the Reformation as a whole, and the English Reformation in particular. This course will seek to correct such misunderstandings by familiarizing students with the basic narrative and cast of characters of the English Reformation from 1520-1620, clarifying the motives of these key characters, highlighting the inseparability of political and religious issues in this context, and discerning points of continuity and discontinuity between the English and continental reformations. The course will also delve deep into the roots of “Puritanism” and Presbyterianism, tracing the reasons for its protest against the Elizabethan Settlement and some of the key themes and concerns of the movement, and those who opposed it. 

Taught by Dr. Bradford Littlejohn, a leading expert on the thought of Richard Hooker. Runs 6/1 – 8/7/20. You can view the syllabus here. For more details, email Brad at b.littlejohn@davenantinstitute.org.

Online only, runs 10 weeks, meeting 1 hr./wk. via videoconference. Students will also have the option to participate in a class discussion board. Register to reserve your spot and schedule will be set after a poll of participating students; if the class time does not fit your schedule, you will be eligible for a full refund. Note: all classes are offered dependent on demand and require a minimum of four participating students.