Jeremy Taylor and the Reformation

Name: Jeremy Taylor and the Reformation
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work critiques the theological and philosophical positions of Jeremy Taylor, emphasizing his alignment with church authority and his perceived deviation from the core tenets of the Reformation. It highlights Taylor's eloquence and skill, particularly in his work "Liberty of Prophesying," but argues that his conclusions lead to a reliance on earthly authority, akin to the Catholic Church's insistence on a supreme head. The text contrasts Taylor's lack of respect for key Protestant reformers like Luther and Calvin with his veneration for lesser-known Catholic figures, suggesting an inconsistency in his beliefs that may align him with Socinianism. The author reflects on the historical context of the Reformation, noting that early reformers were cautious about human authority due to the abuses of the Catholic Church. The Puritans, in their reaction, adopted an extreme bibliolatry, which led to a rejection of human interpretation and tradition. This, in turn, prompted a backlash from learned individuals who recognized the necessity of historical context and tradition in understanding scripture. Taylor exemplifies this tension, as he navigates between Protestantism and a return to Catholic-like authority, illustrating the complexities and contradictions within the Reformation movement. The work also critiques the neglect of John Donne's sermons, suggesting that the literary and theological contributions of figures like Donne deserve greater recognition compared to Taylor's. The author argues that Taylor's approach ultimately undermines the Reformation's intent to establish a faith grounded in scripture alone, instead leading to a reliance on church dogma reminiscent of pre-Reformation practices. The analysis concludes that Taylor's legacy is marked by a struggle between eloquence and doctrinal soundness, raising questions about the true nature of authority in religious belief.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1835 · Genre: Theological Critique, Historical Analysis, Literary Criticism · 1,146 words

First lines

Taylor's was a great and lovely mind; yet how much and injuriously was it perverted by his being a favourite and follower of Laud, and by his intensely popish feelings of church authority. [1] His Liberty of Prophesying is a work of wonderful eloquence and skill; but if we believe the argument, what do we come to? Why to nothing more or less than this, that -- so much can be said for every opinion and sect, -- so impossible is it to settle any thing by reasoning or authority of Scripture, -- we must appeal to some positive jurisdiction on earth, _ut sit finis controversiarum_. In fact, the whole book is the precise argument used by the Papists to induce men to admit the necessity of a supreme and infallible head of the church on earth. It is one of the works which preeminently gives countenance to the saying of Charles or James II., I forget which: -- "When you of the Church of England contend with the Catholics, you use the arguments of the Puritans; when you contend with the Puritans, you immediately adopt all the weapons of the Catholics. " Taylor never speaks with the slightest symptom of affection or respect of Luther, Calvin, or any other of the great reformers -- at least, not in any of his learned works; but he _saints_ every trumpery monk and friar, down to the very latest canonizations by the modern popes. I fear you will think me harsh, when I say that I believe Taylor was, perhaps unconsciously, half a Socinian in heart. Such a strange inconsistency would not be impossible. The Romish church has produced many such devout Socinians. The cross of Christ is dimly seen in Taylor's works. Compare him in this particular with Donne, and you will feel the difference in a moment. Why are not Donne's volumes of sermons reprinted at Oxford? [2]

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1835 CE
Language: English
Genres: Theological Critique, Historical Analysis, Literary Criticism, Philosophical Discourse, Biographical Study
Length: 1,146 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Theological Critique — The book critically examines Jeremy Taylor's theological positions and their implications within the context of the Reformation.
Historical Analysis — It provides a historical perspective on the Reformation and the role of church authority, particularly in relation to Taylor's works.
Literary Criticism — The text evaluates Taylor's literary style and eloquence, comparing him to other prominent figures in English literature.
Philosophical Discourse — It engages with philosophical questions regarding authority, reasoning, and the nature of faith in the context of religious belief.