Routledge God's Order and Natural Law: The Works of the Laudian Divines (Routledge Revivals)

This title was first published in 2002. This book fills an important gap in the theological interpretation of the Laudian divines. Iain MacKenzie presents the theology of the Anglican theologians of the early 17th century, exploring the concept of order first in God but then in creation in its relation to the Creator, and then examining the working out of this concept based in theology in civil and ecclesiastical structures and practice. Mapping the Laudian divines' perceptions of how order primarily and necessarily resides in God existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, this book sets out the essential and necessarily practical application of theology as seen by 17th century theologians, and traces the legacy which they have left. This theological, as opposed to a merely historical or literary, study of this important period for the development of society, will be of particular value to theologians, historians and those concerned with the intellectual history of the 17th century. Review 'This is a valuable and timely study of some of the basic motifs in the work of a group of early 17th century English theologians, whose thought Iain MacKenzie suggests is more systematic and penetrating than has sometimes been allowed. His book throws new light onto familiar topics and concludes with a striking presentation of one of the key elements in the sermons of Lancelot Andrewes. It is a work which will be of interest not only to theologians and historians but more widely to those concerned in the whole intellectual history of the 17th century.' Revd Canon Professor A.M.Allchin 'The book is well laid out, in short chapters that are packed with quotations from writers as diverse as Richard Hooker, William Laud, George Herbert, Robert Sanderson, and Francis White... The result is pleasing and nourishing...' Church Times '... MacKenzie sets out to rescue the thought of the Laudian divines from historians who often fail to appreciate the full contours of late sixteenth and early seventeenth-century theological ideas.' Anglican and Episcopal History 'Iain MacKenzie, residentiary Canon of Worcester Cathedral, offers a thorough and systematic study of the theology of a group of early seventeenth-century English divines commonly known as the 'Laudians'... the instruction and delight of reading such beautifully ordered prose... edifying and absorbing - a most welcome addition to the study of early seventeenth-century intellectual history.' Anglican Theological Review '... this book [...] provides a helpful balance to the predominantly political interpretations of the period. Both historically and theologically, the book's account of divine and created order is of considerable interest.' Churchman