Enlightenment Prelate: Benjamin Hoadly, 1676-1761

Reviews of Enlightenment Prelate: Benjamin Hoadly, 1676-1761

The concern for 'peace and unity' emerges as a main theme in Gibson's interpretation and compels us to reshape our understanding of Hoadly as a champion of religious pluralism in a modern sense. By restoring Hoadly to his proper place in the history of the English Church, Professor Gibson adds new information to a subject much studied over the latest generation.ArchivesGibson's study of Hoadly is to be greatly welcomed. It is certainly a major piece of reassessment.Journal of Religious HistoryAlthough Gibson assembles a great deal of information about his subject's life and works, and although he discusses many points that are relevant to Hoadly's theology, the book is not primarily an analysis of his philosophical and theological beliefs. Gibson's main concern, he avows, is with Hoadly's manifold contributions to the defence and reform of the Anglican Church and its estabilishment as a truly National Church, serving as many of the people as possible.There can be no doubt that Gibson has shown that Hoadly was a much more substantial figure than many have been willing to believe.Enlightenment & DissentThe book has made a major contribution to knowledge of Hoadly's career and its broader meaning and it will be required reading for all who have a serious interest in early eighteenth-century British political and religious history.The Journal of the Historical Association