Age of Reason and Religious Enthusiasm

I. Introduction

II. Enlightenment Challenge to Religious Belief

A. Newton’s Personal System of Belief
– organic – mystical – mechanical –

B. Triumph of the Mechanical

C. The Repeal of the Witchcraft Act (1736)

III. Implications for Religious Belief
A. Advantages of the Anglican Church

B. Anglican Clergy and Latitudinarianism

IV. The Challenge of Methodism

A. Problems within the Church of England

B. The Inspiration of John Wesley (1703-1791)

C. The Issue of Enthusiasm

D. Growth of Methodism

V. Conclusion: Reason and Enthusiasm

Key Terms

Sir Isaac Newton

Principia Mathematica

Opticks

Witchcraft Act

latitudinarianism

Presbyterians, Baptists, Congregationalists,

Quakers, Unitarians

Methodism

John Wesley

enthusiasm

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