Gordon Clark: Review of Antinomianism in English History by Gertrude Huehns (The Southern Presbyterian Journal)

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.