Theology and Reason in 18th Century England

This study examines the contribution of Arthur Ashley Sykes and John Jackson in the Bangorian and Trinitarian controversies of the early eighteenth century. It also focuses on theological connection of these divines with the theology and philosophy of Benjamin Hoadly and Dr. Samuel Clarke. This study also suggests that Hoadly''s ideas on ecclesiastical authority were preceded by Sykes'' analogical sermon, where he expressed the same ideas without creating the same furor as did Hoadly''s sermon, and it may even be possible that Hoadly was influenced by Sykes. This study also focuses on the contribution of John Jackson in controversies regarding the role of reason, the ecclesiastical authority of the church, and particularly the Trinitarian controversy initiated by Dr. Samuel Clarke. The findings during the course of this work suggest that Jackson was not a trivial figure in the Trinitarian controversy.