1953. Review of Antinomianism in English History by Gertrude Huehns, The Southern Presbyterian Journal 15 Apr.: 17.
Antinomianism In English History
By Gertrude Huehns. The Cresset Press, London, 1951. Pages 200.
There were several groups of Antinomians in the middle of the
seventeenth century, all of which the author classifies under Puritanism. Their
impact on politics before, during, and after Cromwell, with a concluding chapter
on New England, forms the author's field of investigation.
Because of her interest in history the author wishes to show
that Antinomianism has a wider appeal independent of its precise doctrinal meaning;
but it is the lack of doctrinal preciseness that seems to detract considerably from
the value of the book. For example, an antinomian attitude "appears to us to
consist mainly in an assertion of the significance of human behavior irrespective
of ulterior rational or utilitarian considerations" (p. 5). This basic principle
of interpretation, nowhere definitely defended in the book, is somewhat ambiguous.
If rational and utilitarian values include spiritual blessings
and eternal rewards, then the sentence does not fit the Antinomians; if eternal
values are not included, then the principle would apply as well to other Puritans.
The dependability of the book is further put in doubt by a sentence
such as this: "Thus Antinomianism combined (certain ideas) with the Arminians'
belief that assurance as to one's place in the final scheme of things may well be
gained here on earth" (p. 47). Does the author confuse Arminianism with Calvinism?
And again, "The notion of the royalty of Christ is also originally a Baptist
one" (p. 128). This is hardly true whether royalty means the kingship of Christ
or more narrowly a millenial reign. The reader therefore is left dissatisfied on
many pages, and perhaps the chief value of the book is to call attention to a field
that might well be worth a serious and- extended study. Our memories of Puritanism
have grown too dim.
— Gordon H. Clark.
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